Suerk's Obituary

Suerk dictated his own obituary within weeks of the accident in July 2008. Here it is, almost exactly as he had intended it.

Paul Maxwell Suerken
Born in Erie, PA on March 31st, 1938
Died on March 21st, 2010

Paul Maxwell Suerken , 71, of Hilltop Road, Erie, died following a prolonged illness after suffering a spinal injury in 2008. A native of Erie, Paul was the son of the late Maxwell Crouch and Alice Sherman Suerken.

Paul was a graduate of McDowell High School in 1956, and a graduate of Dartmouth College in 1960. He then earned a Masters Degree from Dartmouth in 1981. For thirty one years, Paul taught at the Mercersburg Academy, a residential school for boys and girls, 9th -12th grade, in Mercersburg, PA. In boarding schools a teacher wears many different hats. Paul taught English, Music, and led several musical groups, both vocal and instrumental. He also was a cross-country coach. He was in charge of two different dormitories, chaired the English Department and was a college counselor. A life long bachelor, Paul considered his students to be his family. Paul was an avid runner and ran thirteen marathons, including two Boston marathons. During the school year of 1981-1982, Paul taught in England at Cranleigh School in the county of Surrey. Paul loved his job and there is evidence to show that his students loved him back. Paul loved to travel.

He is survived by many cousins and his “family” of former students whose lives he deeply touched and enriched through his tireless good counsel.

Memorials may be made to The Paul Suerken Scholarship fund at Mercersburgs Academy, 300 East Seminary St. Mercersburg, PA 17236