Leonard P. Surina, 84, of Springfield, was born June 23, 1933 in Sesser to Joseph and Sarah Surina

He was an altar boy at St. Mary’s, graduated from Southern Illinois University and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served during the Korean War, in the Pacific Theater on the Marshall Islands and at Wright Patterson Airbase thereafter.

On December 20, 2017, three days after a diagnosis of acute leukemia, he passed into the loving hands of his Lord at home surrounded by family.

Len was a passionate athlete and fan who was especially fond of his SIU Salukis.  He volunteered for many civic and parochial associations, but was particularly proud of his work for the SIU Alumni Assoc. He grew his insurance and financial planning business in Quincy, Decatur, O’Fallon and Springfield, IL retiring in 2015 after 54 years.

Survived by his devoted wife, Kaaren (nee Bunger); children, Layne Surina (Mary Martin), Marlon Jay Surina (Sherryn Anthony), and Marti Coogan (Edward); step-children, Harry 'Guy' Grieme Ill (Stephanie), and Amanda Leonard (Dennis). Grandchildren, Zachary and Aaron Coogan, Harry 'Ernie' Grieme IV (Katrina), Alisha Grieme (fiancé Josh Adams), Cassandra Leonard Bennett (Kenneth), and Cody Leonard (Ellie). Great-grandchildren, Gunner, Collins and Sloan Bennett. Also surviving are his brother, Eugene Surina and wife Liz.

The patriarch of the family he will be missed by many in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be at 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday December 26, 2017 at St. Jude Catholic Church in Rochester. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors.

Should one choose, in lieu of flowers, donations should be forwarded to Len's favored Wounded Warrior Program or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO.

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