Michael Handlmaier

Funeral Service Information

Michael J. Handlmaier, beloved husband of Amanda Handlmaier (née Trattner) and devoted father to their baby girl expected this November, passed away surrounded by the deep love of his family.

Michael was the cherished son of Michael and Diane Handlmaier and the loving big brother of Katherine and Daniel Handlmaier.

Michael lived with an unmistakable energy and enthusiasm for life. He was loyal, funny, ambitious, competitive, and deeply devoted to the people he loved. He worked hard, loved wholeheartedly, and could always be counted on by his family and friends. Whether pursuing a new goal, planning the next adventure, or simply spending time with the people closest to him, Michael had a way of embracing life to its fullest. Born in Germany, where he spent his early childhood, Michael maintained a lifelong connection to the country and a love of European soccer. After graduating from the University of Connecticut School of Business, he built a successful career in the surety industry, earning the respect and friendship of colleagues as he advanced to become a Contract Surety Account Executive.

Sports and competition were a constant throughout Michael’s life. He was fiercely loyal to the New England Patriots and happily adopted the Baltimore Ravens while living in Maryland. He loved soccer and golf, and found a particular passion for running. He proudly completed a marathon and was training for another. After moving to Los Angeles with Amanda and their beloved dog, Cooper, Michael quickly embraced Southern California, spending his time exploring new hiking trails, enjoying the coast, and taking up surfing. Some of Michael’s greatest happiness came from the life he shared with Amanda. Together, they loved to travel, explore new places, spend time outdoors with Cooper, laugh, and dream about their future. Their greatest adventure was just beginning as they prepared to welcome their daughter this November. Michael is survived by his wife, Amanda; their unborn daughter; his parents, Michael and Diane Handlmaier; his siblings, Katherine and Daniel Handlmaier; and his loving grandmother, Heike Handlmaier, who held a special place in his heart. He was the beloved grandson of Gerald and Dolores Shanahan and Sepp Handlmaier, all of whom predeceased him and whose memories he carried with deep affection throughout his life. Michael was the treasured nephew of Laura Shanahan and Vincent Walsh, Karen and Thomas Dufour, Susan and Robert Sandler, and Gerald Shanahan, and he shared a close bond with his many cousins. He is mourned as well by his in-laws, Lisa and Brad Trattner, who embraced him as a son, and by his sister-in-law Carly and brother-in-law Eric, with whom he shared warmth, laughter, and a genuine connection and true family.

Michael’s life was far too short, but it was extraordinarily full. He will be remembered for his loyalty, his humor, his drive, his love of adventure, and the extraordinary devotion he showed to the people he loved. His legacy lives on in his family, his friends, and most especially in his daughter, who will always know how deeply her father loved her.