Walter “Wally” Trzop

Walter “Wally” Thaddeus Trzop, Jr., 77, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

Walter was born on April 7, 1948, in South Bend, to the late Walter Thaddeus Trzop, Sr. and Rita (Dombek) Trzop. He lived a life marked by devotion to those he loved and an appreciation for the moments that truly mattered.

Walter proudly served in the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged after being injured while he was deployed in Vietnam. His service and sacrifice reflected his strength, courage, and sense of duty - qualities that remained with him throughout his life.

Walter earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Indiana University and pursued a lifelong passion for technology. He spent his career in IT as a computer programmer, where his analytical mind, curiosity, and problem-solving skills made a lasting impact on his colleagues and the numerous projects he worked on.  He even shared his expertise by teaching computer courses at St. Mary’s College, inspiring students with his knowledge, patience, and enthusiasm for learning. 

He found great joy in sports, especially golf and bowling. Walter took pride in bowling multiple perfect 300 games and he was a skilled golfer – even qualifying for and golfing in a “Senior Mini Tour” sponsored by the PGA.  Yet no matter how many golf courses or tournaments he played throughout his life, he was never happier or prouder than when he was teaching and playing golf with his grandchildren. Beyond his love of the game, Walter used time spent golfing as a way to impart many of his values and life lessons to his grandchildren—qualities of perseverance, integrity, and love that they will carry with them always.  In his younger years, he also enjoyed playing the drums, showing an early love for music and rhythm that stayed part of who he was.

Walter also shared a special bond with a close group of friends with whom he enjoyed golfing, traveling, and dining out. These friendships were a treasured part of his life, and his friends remained faithfully by his side through his illness, offering companionship, laughter, and unwavering support until the very end. 

Above all, Walter cherished his family. He is survived by his daughter, Michelle (Mark) Shreve; his loving partner, Mary Anne Schosker; his sister, Ann (Dixie) Trzop; and his treasured grandchildren, Conner Shreve and Emily Shreve, who meant the world to him. We will forever be inspired by his courage, strength, and kindness that he lived throughout his life.

The family would like to thank Rosalia Higgins and her staff at EmbraceCare of Indiana as well as the staff at Caring Cove Hospice for the compassionate care and support they provided over the past year.  

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Bob Spence for the countless hours, long days, and many trips to University of Chicago Medicine, offering unwavering support and care to Walter.  We will forever be grateful to you!

Visitation for Walter will be held at St. Joseph Funeral Home 824 Mayflower Rd, South Bend, IN 46619 on February 17, 2026 from 1pm to 3pm, with a service following. Burial will take place at a later date at St. Joseph Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Homes for our Troops.

Walter will be remembered for his quiet strength, dedication to those he loved, and the countless moments of joy he shared with family and friends.