Thomas Dean Surman, age 66, of Wisconsin Dells, passed away with the help of Hospice on June 24, 2022. Dean was born November 18, 1955 and was raised in Miami Springs, Florida. He passed away with his wife Jillian (Petersen), Ashley (Joe) Ward and Rhett (Alison) Surman, by his side after a courageous 7-year battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

Dean loved sailing and motorcycles as a teenager.  He earned his pilot's license before his driver's license and always loved flying and airplanes. Dean loved history and was an avid reader of all history. He started his police career in Homestead and soon transferred to Miami Dade Police. During his career he worked crime suppression and was a detective when he met the love of his life. They were engaged on their first date, married within 30 days and started their family 30 days later. They were married for 35 years and were best friends. They lived on Key Biscayne for 11 years, with their daughter Ashley and son Rhett. Dean retired as a homicide detective from MDPD having solved some high-profile cases.

They moved to Wisconsin Dells to raise their children out of the big city and to be able to spend more time together. Dean enjoyed retirement for 2 years, but missed the badge and joined the Lake Delton Police Department for a short time. Despite the commute he became a CSO at the Federal Courthouse in Madison, with fellow retired officers. He always made friends with everyone but was fortunate to find his best friends there. Dean worked until he no longer could and retired in 2019.

Dean always put his family first and treasured their snowmobiling and camping trips. Dean was happiest on his Harley, horseback riding or at one of their home parties with friends. His favorite travel adventures were to Japan, and a special trip to Ireland with friends, just 4 years ago.

There will be a private Celebration of Life in Wisconsin Dells and a special Miami Celebration at a later time. The family would like to thank friends and family that supported us during this journey. A special thank you to all who helped the family care for Dean in his final year.

We will miss Dean a great deal and treasure his gentle personality and wit forever!  We love you Dean!