Lynn Surla

Lynn Marie Surla passed away in the presence of her family on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, at St. Luke’s Hospice Care in Duluth.

Lynn was born in Moose Lake on December 31, 1949 to Orville and Eleanor Koecher. She graduated from Askov High School in 1967, and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth in 1971.

Lynn married the love of her life, Daniel, on August 4, 1973.

After raising two young sons, Lynn embarked on a long and fulfilling career as an early childhood educator. She was a gifted teacher whose authentic love of children and gift of inspiring intellectual curiosity touched the lives of many. Above all else in her career, Lynn prioritized her students’ growth and well-being. She will be remembered as a kindred spirit with her children, a special talent who shared in the wonder of early life and learning. Lynn earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin in 1998. She retired in 2011 after 23 years of teaching first grade, primarily at MacArthur West Elementary School in Duluth.

In addition to teaching, Lynn cultivated numerous hobbies, including an antiques business called North Tier Antiques which she and Daniel operated in Canal Park and other locations for over 17 years.

Since retiring, Lynn has most enjoyed her morning walks with her husband, gardening and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and spending precious time with her children, grandchildren and many beloved friends.

Lynn will be remembered as a bright light in this world. She exuded a warmth and carried with her the most honorable human characteristics: kindness, patience, compassion, respect for others, generosity, an eye for the good in people and the beauty in simple moments. Lynn loved and unconditionally supported her husband and children. She valued people over possessions, and was quick to laugh and give a welcoming smile.

Lynn’s memory will be cherished by her soul mate and husband of 43 years, Daniel; her sons Joseph (Jennifer) of Minneapolis and Peter (Linnea) of Portland, OR; grandchildren Carrie, Hailey, Benjamin and Nina; brother Lee (Jean) Koecher of Cottage Grove; sisters Janice (David) Gassert of Kerrick and Joan (Jim) Anderson of Duluth; and countless family members and friends.

Visitation:  5-7 PM, Wednesday, May 24th at Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth.  Visitation continues on  Thursday, May 25th  from 10 AM until the 11 AM Memorial Service at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church,  Bruno, Minn.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. Second St., Duluth, 218-727-3555.