Jack Surfus

Jack Surfus, age 93, a resident of Candler, NC, formerly of Waynesville, NC, and Ft. Wayne, IN, died July 10, 2026. He was born on January 16, 1933, in Ft. Wayne, IN and was adopted by Bessie and Custer Surfus when he was 5 days old.

Jack grew up in DeKalb County, IN and graduated from Huntertown High School. He began working for County Line Cheese when he was 16 and remained employed by them for 40 years, serving as president and general manager. He was married to Helen Kruse in 1952, and they raised 2 daughters, Christy and Toni. He traveled the U.S. and Europe for County Line Cheese and was very involved with company expansion. Jack was also a member of Rotary in Ft. Wayne.

In 1998, he and Judy Kinder were married in Ft. Wayne, IN and then moved to Waynesville, NC for retirement. Jack worked at Zoolies Health Food Store for 14 years where he was known for his fun-loving personality. He enjoyed taking care of pets for many people and fed the birds on a daily basis! He loved and walked their 5 Golden Retrievers. Jack was an active member of Kiwanis in Haywood County. He served on the board of the Open Door soup kitchen, helped with HAWA and SARGE animal welfare activities, was very involved at the Waynesville Rec. Center, and he and Judy were active members of Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church for 21 years. Jack was a loyal fan of the Indianapolis Colts, St. Louis Cardinals, and Duke Blue Devils!

In 2019, they moved to Pisgah Valley Retirement Community in Candler, NC. There they enjoyed many new friends, the social events, and the fitness center on campus. They also joined Frances Asbury United Methodist Church in Candler, a very loving congregation.

Jack is survived by his wife, Judy Surfus; daughter Christy Bollier and husband, Gary, of Wheaton, IL; and daughter, Toni Harris and husband, Rob of Ft. Wayne; 5 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren. In addition to Jack’s surviving family members, are Judy’s 3 children, their spouses, and 7 grandchildren.

Jack loved people and was a big-hearted soul who loved and lived life to the fullest! In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Francis Asbury United Methodist Church, PO Box 67, Candler, NC 28715 or Helping Hands Ministries Approved Projects: Benjamin Ferguson (Jack’s great grandson who has Cystic Fibrosis). Thank you all so much for your love and support.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm On Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Francis Asbury United Methodist Church, 725 Asbury Road, Candler, NC 28715. Phone: 828-667-3950.