Walter Andrew Szarek Jr.

Walter Andrew Szarek Jr., 65, of Kennesaw, Georgia, passed away on July 11, 2026. He was born December 26, 1960, in Hollywood, California to Walter Andrew Szarek and Bonnie Jean Walker Szarek.

Walt lived a beautifully simple, grounded life, built on a steady foundation of a tireless work ethic and an unshakable loyalty to those he loved. A dedicated and skilled worker, he proudly gave 31 years of service to Consolidated Engineering Company in Kennesaw, Georgia, where he served as the Shop Manager for the last 14 years.

Walt had a great sense of humor and a razor-sharp wit, with a playful spirit that kept you smiling. A lifelong learner with an insatiable curiosity, he absorbed knowledge on a multitude of topics like a sponge, and he absolutely loved sharing his wisdom with anyone eager to learn. Above all, Walt was a loving father who lived to guide and protect his family. He was our 'answer man' - if you needed something fixed or a problem solved, Walt was who you went to.

Walt felt life deeply and lived with his eyes and heart open, always looking out for others and stepping in to help ease a burden or fix a problem. He lived in harmony with nature, carrying an encyclopedic knowledge of plants, animals, and the ecosystem. He was particularly at home in the quiet, rugged beauty of Joshua Tree National Park, a place he deeply loved exploring.

A man of quiet, unshakable faith, he believed deeply in God, loved our Nation, and held a deep prayer life, constantly lifting up and praying for others. Walt will be profoundly missed.

He is survived by his loving family, including his wife Judith Szarek; his sons, Walter Andrew Szarek III and Christopher Ginn; his grandson, Dylan Szarek; and his siblings, Charles Goddard, Carol Sauer, and Julia Szarek-Salas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Bonnie Szarek.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home, 2950 North Cobb Pkwy, Kennesaw, GA 30152, on July 24, 2026 followed by a funeral service from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Afterwards, a committal service will take place at Pine Ridge Memorial Park, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm. There will be a reception immediately afterwards, also taking place at Pine Ridge Memorial Park.