Obituary of Martin Alan Szpak

Martin “Marty” Alan Szpak, age 78, passed away on Tuesday, April 04, 2023 at his home in Talladega, Alabama surrounded by his family. He passed away peacefully after bravely battling cancer. Marty was born in Chicago, Illinois, to his parents, Josephine Brozny Szpak and Casimir Szpak. He grew up with his younger sister, Virginia and older brother, Casey. As a teenager, he attended East Leyden High School in Franklin Park, Illinois. He was an active member of The Boy Scouts of America, ultimately rising to an Eagle Scout. After graduating high school, Marty attended University of Wisconsin/Stout Scout where he met and married the love of his life, Marcia Scriven, on August 28, 1966. He went on to obtain an undergraduate degree in Industrial Arts and a master’s degree in Plastics. After graduating college, he taught in Milwaukee before joining Scot Industries, Inc. He shortly thereafter moved his family to Lone Star, Texas. There he supervised the building and management of the first of three factories for Scot Industries in Texas, Illinois and Alabama. Marty was a devout Catholic who was an active parishioner in every community he belonged to along with the support of his family. Marty’s almost limitless skill set—from woodworking to sound systems—made him highly and respectably instrumental in helping to maintain the churches where he belonged. He even blessed two affiliated churches by building their magnificent altar crosses. Marty is survived and missed by his wife of 57 years, Marcia Scriven Szpak and his three children: Andy Szpak (wife Giuseppina), Gina Szpak, and Daphne Johnstad (husband Kai). He will be forever cherished and remembered by his nine grandchildren: Aiden and Morgan Szpak; Haston, Sage, Nellie, and Bella Pence; Alana Falbo, and Nathan and Reese Johnstad; sister Virginia Spencer (husband Charlie), and niece, Christine Szpak. His memory lives on through many other close family members including, Jerry and Maryjo Koch, Jan and Norm Huisman (son Brad Huisman and daughters Wendy Diekama and Heidi Boomsma), and Kris and Don Ross (daughter Kari Hebert). The funeral mass, people’s remembrances, and Celebration of Life will be in the church hall at St. Francis of Assisi in Talladega, AL on June 24, 2023 at 11:00 A.M.. A private burial will be held on the 25th of June for the family. Marty was a devoted husband and father. He enjoyed spending time with his family, designing and building timeless furniture pieces and art, traveling, dancing, listening to music, and helping others. Marty also loved animals and was an avid collector of trains. Marty was an accomplished pianist, funny and witty, and charitable. He will be greatly missed, but fondly remembered forever. Flowers can be sent to church at the time of Celebration of Life, or in lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to “The Ark of Talladega” at https://thearc.org/chapter/the-arc-of-north-talladega-county or ASPCA (Animal Rescue and protection) at https://secure.aspca.org/donate/donate. Online condolences may be offered at www.usreyfuneralhome.com. Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega is assisting the family.