To view the flowers from Surgay’s service, click here: Surgay Kalamaha Flowers
Surgay Kalamaha, 82, lifelong rancher and farmer in Newman Township of Ward County, rural Max, ND died Thursday, April 21, 2022, in a Minot hospital.
Surgay was born September 26, 1939, in Minot, ND to Max and Lucille (Osadchy) Kalamaha. He spent his entire life rooted in the prairie of Newman Township of Ward County on the Kalamaha family farm. He graduated from Sawyer High School in 1958 and attended Minot State College.
He worked for a short time in Texas maintaining airfields until returning to his roots on the farm. He spent his working years as a truck driver hauling livestock in addition to working alongside his father and later his son, ranching and farming the land.
Surgay was married on May 25, 1968, to Janice Erickson in Minot. This union was blessed with two children. They traveled while the kids were young, but the farm kept them close to home. Rodeos were a family destination over the years.
Surgay was a long tenured representative of the Ward County USDA Board, served on the Newman Township Board and was a member of the Max Rodeo Club. He was often found visiting with friends or getting to his desired destination on his four-wheeler. He will be deeply missed by all who shared in his life.
Surgay is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Janice; daughter Sebrina ‘Sebby’ (Reggie) Keil of South Dakota; son Surgay Jr. ‘Pedro’ Kalamaha, rural Max; granddaughter Sadee Keil; sister-in-law Evelyn Kalamaha, Minot; nieces Kimberly Lochner, Kaleta (Bill) Johnson; nephews Kevin (Karen) , Kendal (Manya), Kyle, Kipton (Nichole), and Kory Kalamaha along with numerous great-nieces and nephews.
Surgay was preceded in death by his parents and brother Raymond.
Celebration of Surgay’s Life: Sunday, May 1, 2022 at the Grand Hotel in the Grand Ballroom, 1505 North Broadway, Minot, from 2:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Public Visitation: Saturday, April 30, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home followed by a family graveside service at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.
