Sandra L. Surma (Dopieralski) of Rolling Prairie, Indiana, left this earth to be with Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in heaven on February 3, 2025, after a very long battle with stage 5 kidney disease.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Holy Family Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 201 Bach Street, LaPorte, IN, with Reverend Ian Williams officiating. Burial will follow at St. John Kanty Cemetery, Rolling Prairie, Indiana.
Family and friends may gather on Saturday before the Mass at 9 AM, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM Friday, February 7, 2025, at Frank L Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana.
A rosary will be recited at 6:30 on the evening of visitation.
Sandra was born August 9, 1943, in LaPorte, IN, to the late Stanley and Marian Dopieralski. She married David E Surma on June 15, 1963, at St. John Kanty Catholic Church in Rolling Prairie, IN. They celebrated 61 ½ years of wedded bliss. Sandra was the 5th of 6 children of Stanley and Marian Dopieralski. She grew up near Hudson Lake, IN. She graduated from New Carlisle High School in 1961.
She was a member of St. John Kanty Catholic Church where she was a member of the Rosary Society, taught religion class, and worked on many projects with the various priests. In 1969 they moved to Rolling Prairie and became members of Holy Family Catholic Parish, Sacred Heart Church in LaPorte, IN, where she served a term on the Parish Council, and worked on Christmas and Easter projects.
Besides her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, she cherished her Catholic faith the most. When the kids were growing up she was very active in the Rolling Prairie Little League and ran the concession stand and fundraisers for many years.
She was part owner and Secretary/Treasurer of Dipsi Doodle Disposal and Pyramid Equipment where she retired in 2022.
She is survived by her husband, David, her sons Anthony (Krissy Bogar), Chris (Jeri Shaw), and daughter Amy Wolfe all of Rolling Prairie, Indiana, and her son Jon-Paul (Amy Wall). Her grandchildren Taylor & Jared Emmons of Rolling Prairie, IN. Allison & Adam Snider of Carol Stream, IL. Alexis & Christian Surma, Meagan Surma, and Lauren Wolfe are all from Rolling Prairie, IN. Asher & Ava Lee (who is named after Sandra) of Granger, IN. Her great-grandkids Claire, Addisyn, & Piper Emmons of Rolling Prairie and Owen Sinder of Carol Stream, IL. She was called Nana by all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by her brother Stanley Junior (Yvonne) Dopieralski of New Carlisle, IN. Her brother and sister-in-law Ronald & DeVia Surma of Weatherby Lake, MO, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and her best friend, Carol Sikora of Rolling Prairie, IN.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her mother & father-in-law (Emil & Marie Surma), and her sisters Beverly DeGraf and Karen Lowery. Her brothers Steven and Donald (Porky) Dopieralski. Her son-in-law Mike Wolfe (Amy). Her “sister from another mother,” Debra Yeager, and her other best friend and cousin, Jackie Redman.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Holy Family Parish, LaPorte, IN, The Association of the Miraculous Medal, Perryville, MO, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
To light a virtual candle, share a story of Sandra’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please visit esslingfuneralhome.com.
