Michael Szramek

Michael Szramek, 69, a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, passed away on September 21, 2025.

He was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Joseph and Alyce Szramek and was the youngest of three sons. Growing up, he lived in Marysville, WA, St. Maries, ID, and Chicago, IL, where he enjoyed hunting, baseball, and traveling. He graduated from Gordon Technical High School in Chicago in 1974 and moved out to Corvallis, OR, to attend Oregon State University. Michael always enjoyed his Kenner Girder & Panel Building set, and he excelled in mathematics; therefore, he majored in Civil Engineering, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 1978.

He took a position with the bridge office at the Washington State Department of Transportation in Olympia, WA, designing and inspecting bridges across the state. In 1990, he started working at MC Squared, Inc., a private civil and structural engineering firm. Within two years, he became an owner of the company. He enjoyed the variety of projects he worked on and took great pride in mentoring young engineers. In 2020, he retired from full-time work and sold the remainder of his shares to his partners, though he continued to work on small projects as a contractor of the company. He moved to Walla Walla after retiring, where he enjoyed the city's atmosphere and developed a strong community of friends.

He married the love of his life, Patricia Szramek (née Feeney), on June 12, 1982. The two of them enjoyed traveling, backpacking, and laughing together. They had two daughters, Lesley and Allyson, whom Michael adored. He took them exploring, camping, and coached their soccer teams throughout their entire childhood.

Michael loved photography, woodworking, visiting National Parks, snorkeling, and rock hunting. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; daughters, Lesley (Jason) and Allyson (Mark); dog, Zeke; grand pups, Yasha, Roux, Frannie, and Durin; and his brothers, Jake and Bob. He is dearly missed.

His service will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at the Chapel of the Herring Funeral Home in Walla Walla, with a reception to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Mountain Humane Society through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.