Arlyn Surdez, 92
Arlyn Gene Surdez, of Brandon, passed away at Palisades Healthcare Center in Garretson, S.D., on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the age of 92 years and 76 days.
The youngest of four siblings, Arlyn was born on Feb. 5, 1934, to Ina (Selby) Surdez and Albert Surdez on the family farm near Lennox, S.D. He attended country school before graduating from Lennox High School.
Arlyn married his high school sweetheart, Evonne Jennings, on June 4, 1953. Together, they were blessed with three children: Deon, David, and Darwin. The young family began their life together on the family farm, where Arlyn helped with farming while also working part-time at Tuthill Lumber Yard in Lennox.
In the late 1950s, the family moved into Lennox Township, where Arlyn began working at a local grocery store owned by Daryl Nolton. He continued his work there under new owner Virgil Musch, eventually becoming a meat cutter. After many years in Lennox, Arlyn was given the opportunity to manage the Brandon grocery store for Virgil. In May of 1976, the family moved to Brandon to begin this new chapter. Not long after, Arlyn became a partner and co-owner of the store, a role he held until the partnership dissolved.
Arlyn also proudly served the community as a member of the Brandon City Council for two terms. Later, he joined Sam’s Club in Sioux Falls, where he worked in the auditing department for more than 20 years. He retired in 2011 at the age of 77, finally enjoying a well-earned time of rest and the opportunity to pursue his many interests.
Family meant everything to Arlyn, as did his beloved pets. His faith was an important part of his life, and he and Evonne were faithful members of Beaver Valley Lutheran Church.
It seems especially fitting that Arlyn passed away on Earth Day, as he had a deep love for the outdoors and for nature. He found joy in building, creating, tinkering, and fixing just about anything. He took great pride in his gardening and his lawn, and he delighted in caring for his “backyard friends” – the birds and squirrels who gathered at the many feeders and baths he lovingly maintained. He also had a fondness for chickens, even if he never quite got the chance to raise them.
If our family had received a penny for every time someone told us how kind and sweet Arlyn was, we would be incredibly wealthy. But the truth is, we are already rich beyond measure – simply because we had him.
Thankful for sharing in his life are his wife, Evonne, with whom he shared nearly 73 years of marriage; his daughter, Deon (Don) Harder; his son, David (Todd Smith); and his son, Darwin (Angie). Arlyn is also survived by seven grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, as well as his sister, Alberta Stoneback, who is 105 years young.
Arlyn was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Cecil and Millburn (“Frenchy”).
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in Arlyn’s name to the Sioux Falls Humane Society or B Squad Rescue in Brandon.
Family will be present for visitation from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, April 30 at Heritage Funeral Home. His funeral service will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 11 a.m., with a light lunch and fellowship to follow.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care of Heritage Funeral Home in Sioux Falls (heritagesfsd.com.)
