Walter “Wally” Surgis Jr., 78, of Litchfield, died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at his home in Litchfield.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Litchfield Family Funeral Service, located at 700 S. State St. in Litchfield. Funeral services will be conducted at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, also at Litchfield Family Funeral Service. Burial will take place in Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, at 11 a.m.
Mr. Surgis was born Feb. 1, 1947, in Springfield, a son of Walter and Lorena Mae (Stark) Surgis. He attended high school in Springfield and graduated in 1965. He was a member of the United States Air Force and served in Vietnam.
He was married to Sharon Jones in 1969 and they later divorced. She preceded him in death in 2024. Mr. Surgis married Christine Boehme on Oct. 13, 2001, in Litchfield.
Mr. Surgis was employed at Echlin Manufacturing for over 20 years before his retirement, where he worked as a tool and die maker. He was a member of the VFW, Moose, American Legion and the Elks. He loved to fish, play the guitar and listen to music. He was a huge Illini fan.
Mr. Surgis could tell a good story. He was very sharp-minded and was great at telling jokes. He enjoyed coloring, photography, gardening and camping with his kids when they were young and he loved cats.
Mr. Surgis was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Emily Surgis; and siblings, Frank Surgis, Lois Surgis, Barb Skaggs, Helen Pierce and Mary Ann Surgis.
Mr. Surgis is survived by his spouse, Christine Surgis of Litchfield; daughter, Kelly S. (David) Sumpter of Litchfield and son, Walter “J.” (Cindy) Surgis III of Springfield; grandchildren, Zachary (Hannah) Christensen, Brady Christensen and Katie (Andy) Johnson; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Please visit www.litchfieldffs.com to leave condolences or light a candle in his memory.
