Daniel Michael Koszuta

Daniel Michael Koszuta

Daniel Michael Koszuta, 70, of Kremlin, Mont., passed away of natural causes on Friday, July 6, 2012. at Missouri River Manor in Great Falls, Mont.

No services are planned. Cremation has taken place. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Daniel Michael Koszuta was born May 22, 1942, in Chicago, to Joseph J. Koszuta and Stella Delores (Gorski) Koszuta. He graduated from Lane High School and went on to get his bachelor's degree at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. He then came to Bozeman, Mont., and attended Montana State University, where he received his master's degree in mechanical engineering. After finishing his education, he moved to Billings and began his engineering career with Smith, Smith and Rush, moving on to Sage Engineers, which he eventually purchased as a sole owner. Dan eventually moved to Helena and worked for the State of Montana with the Bureau of Reclamation, helping to repair the lands of mining damage. He later relocated to Alaska, where he became the city engineer for Petersburg. Dan's final endeavor was at Montana State University-Northern in Havre, Mont., as a professor of engineering, a job he cherished.

He loved the outdoors, where he spent many days of his life, hunting, fishing and hiking. It was his love of the outdoors that drew him to Wrangell, Alaska, where he purchased property and a fishing boat, which brought him countless hours of fulfillment.

He is survived by his brother, Joe (Char) Koszuta, and their sons Joey and Jayson and numerous cousins; his son, Gregory (Wendy) Koszuta; his daughter, Jamie Koszuta (James) ; a step-daughter Bekki (Dwile) Weagel; grandchildren, Erin, Mandy, Skyler, Daryn, Keira and Kyle; and one great-granddaughter, Macy.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Montana State University-Northern.