In Memoriam: Frank Transue (1942 – 2021)

Civil and Environmental Engineering alumnus Frank Transue passed away on August 27, 2021 at St. Joseph Hospital, Illinois. 

Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on June 16, 1942, he resided in Elgin, Illinois for almost 50 years before moving to Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1972. Frank earned a Civil Structural Engineering BSE in 1964 and MSE of the same major in 1966 from the University of Michigan. He also earned a degree in business from Harvard University. 

Transue was a generous supporter of the department. His philanthropy enabled CEE to retain high-quality faculty including Professor Vineet Kamat, who for a time held the title of Frank and Brooke Transue CEE Faculty Scholar.

“It was my utmost honor to hold the Frank and Brooke Transue CEE Faculty Scholarship,” said Kamat. “It was clear from my interactions with Mr. Transue that he cared deeply about our profession and had a strong attachment to the CEE department and its people. The CEE community mourns the loss of a dear friend, who will continue to live on in our fond memories.”

Transue was the founder and CEO of Walker Parking and Restoration Engineers before retiring in 2008; he was a Chairman of the Board until 2017. Also in 2008, Frank was honored with a merit award from U-M for his work on many of the largest parking structures in the United States including the 10,000-space parking structure in Anaheim, California, at Disneyland. He was highly involved with the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and frequently returned to the department for homecoming. 

Frank is survived by his wife, Dr. Brooke Transue, as well as his son Donald Transue, daughter Betsy Transue, and his brothers Dr. David Transue, M.D. and Charles Transue. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Holden, Daphne, Brooke, Anna, Jax, Gavin and Kinzie.