Johann Franz Szautner

Johann Franz Szautner, 80, of Bethlehem passed away Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Holy Family Manor, Bethlehem. He was the husband of Kathleen A. (Marshang) Szautner. Born in Vienna, Austria, he was the son of the late Johann Szautner IV and Anna Maria(Schneck). Johann, or Hans, as his family and friends called him, grew up in Austria. He met his wife Kathleen in France when both were students, and after they married they lived in Austria until Johann received his Advanced Engineering degree from the Technical University of Vienna in his native Austria.

They moved to the United States in 1972 and Johann became a naturalized citizen. Johann had a long career as a civil engineer, first working several years in Austria, including the design of the Autobahn link between Austria and Italy, then after coming to the US he worked for Cowan Associates, a Quakertown Civil & Structural Engineering firm. He earned professional engineering licenses in eight states, where he worked on commercial and industrial projects. In Pennsylvania, he worked also as a municipal engineer, on infrastructure projects, including bridges, roadways, and wastewater and water supply projects. He became a Partner and Shareholder of the Cowan firm in 1982, then Vice President for Business Development, Executive Vice President, and President in 2004.

Johann had a keen interest not only in his professional development, but also of fellow engineers, promoting continuing education by serving as State Director of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers, Vice Chairman of the Pennsylvania Engineers in Private Practice organization, and President of the Lehigh Valley chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers. He was awarded the 2006 Engineer of the Year Honors, in recognition of his longstanding commitment to excellence in Professional Engineering, and the Truman Yeager Award for outstanding service. Johann was also member of Lehigh Valley Toastmasters for ten years. Johann retired from the Cowan firm in 2008, and then provided forensic engineering services to the insurance industry and legal profession until 2020. Johann had many hobbies and travelling with his wife, especially on photography safaris in Africa, were his favorites. He is a member of Saints Simon and Jude Church, Bethlehem.

Survivors: In addition to his wife of 57 years; daughter: Tanja (Matthew) Vaneman of Perkasie; son: Christian (Michelle) Szautner of Ambler; grandchildren: Zachary, Joshua, Mikaela, Andreas. He was predeceased by his sister: Anita Schigert.

Services: Friends and family are invited to his viewing from 11-12 noon, Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Saints Simon and Jude Church, 730 West Broad Street, Bethlehem followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon. The interment will conclude services at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Bath. Online condolences may be offered www.connellfuneral.com

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.com