Chester Surant

Chester (Chet) Louis Surant passed away on September 8, 2026, while living at an assisted living residence in Washington, Michigan. Chet was born to and predeceased by his parents George Surant and Alexandria (Alice) Surant (nee. Retchko) on August 26, 1927. He was the youngest of four sons and one daughter, all whom predeceased him. He was predeceased by his wife Lucille Surant (nee. Derderian) of nearly 75 years. Chet is survived by his children, Michele Ryskamp (Mark - deceased), Mark Surant (Maxine Kennebrew), Kirk Surant, Suzanne Gillespie (Doug), David Surant (Ravanna), Paul Surant (Michelle), Cheron Varga (John), Darcy Green (Alan), fourteen grandchildren and step-grandchildren, twenty-three great grandchildren and step-great grandchildren, and his great-great-grandson, Noah Arnold, who was born on July 12, 2026, the date of the great solar eclipse. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Delores Svoboda (Gary), and several nieces and nephews and their children. Chester left high school during WWII to work at Chrysler in the time-keeping department. Chet was highly sought after by his co-workers because no one wanted to be shorted hours on their paycheck. Highly energetic, Chet held down afterwork gigs as an accordion musician and racing horses at the track. While in his early 20’s Chet’s music singing partner introduced Chet to her friend, Lucille. Soon Chet proposed and Lucille accepted, contingent on Chet leaving the jockey gig. Chester and Lucille had a strong Catholic faith and through the years became parents to four sons and four daughters. With such a large family, Lucille was a stay-at-home mother. Chet continued to supplement his primary position at Chrysler, where he had become a cost accountant, with his evening and week-end endeavor in real estate. Along the way he got his GED and made time to pursue an associate degree in paralegal. After a 40+ year career at Chrysler, Chet kept his real estate hat on as the broker of his own real estate company and added tax reporting to his CV, which he did up until the 2025 tax season. He continued managing his 13-acre plot in Armada up until recently. Chet was proud of his longevity and thrilled to celebrate his 99th year with fellow residents and staff at his assisted living home, which he had moved to a few weeks ago. Chet lived a big, full life with many stories to tell. We take comfort in knowing he is finally experiencing well deserved rest and reunited with the love of his life, Lucille. Visitation Thursday 2-8 PM with a 7 PM Rosary at the Wasik Funeral Home, Inc. 49150 Schoenherr Rd. (n. of 22 Mile Rd.), Shelby Twp. Instate Friday 9:30 AM until 10:00 AM Funeral Mass at St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church 343 S. Main Street (s. of 32 Mile Road), Romeo

Chester Surant

August 26, 1927 - September 8, 2026