John Kujawa

Our dad, John Kujawa, joined his wife of over 50 years Nancy and beloved grandson Boone on March 23rd, 2023. As Dad was about to start his journey to meet God, his son Paul had a vivid image of Boone excitedly welcoming his grandpa into heaven. When Dad was young, his mother gave Dad and his sister one piece of advice they diligently followed: “stick together”. This advice started at an early age for his sister when she would be sent to school to explain his rambunctious behavior to the nuns. His mother’s advice has been carried down to the next two generations with our family continuing to stick close together through good times and bad, with Dad always reminding us that “we are all in this together”. After returning from serving his country in the army for two years, Dad came back to the bank that his father started where they worked together, side by side, growing the bank with the goal of seeing the community flourish. Dad enjoyed walking to work every day with his father. After his father passed, this family tradition continued where Dad was blessed to be able to work alongside three of his children and eventually his grandchildren, which made him immensely proud. It meant the world to him to work with his family every day. Dad also had the honor of working with his faithful employees who he loved dearly and who were instrumental in making the bank what it is today. He had a lasting impact on the lives of his family and employees. Throughout their life, Dad and his sister traveled together throughout Canada and the U.S., embarking on numerous adventures. As traveling became a thing of the past, they had nightly calls to discuss family, books, music and the world. Dad instilled his love of travel to his children and grandchildren. It was a point of pride that he had traveled with his family to 48 states, Mexico and Canada. Many fond memories have been retold at get-togethers; the dollar dad paid another dad for a diaper after a blowout disaster, finding a jacket for someone to wear in 90-degree heat because a kid puked on their shirt, and of course, the brown liquor box which he needed while vacationing in a car with his family for two weeks. Along with being a traveler, Dad was also a classic “dad” athlete. Whether it was playing basketball for hours in his dress shoes, playing catch in the backyard, summer cane-pole fishing or jumping beaver houses on a Canadian fishing trip, our dad never shied away from being active with us. One of his favorite activities to do with his family was to go hunting. Dad understood the most important aspects of hunting were family and tradition. Many a weekend was spent at the Farm pheasant, duck, deer and turkey hunting with his children, carrying them through the mud and sitting in a boat hoping for a bite. This tradition continued with his grandchildren but in a more advisory role. Bringing his binoculars, candy and stories, he would spend the day with his grandchildren creating memories they will always cherish. Dad was also a supporter of other people’s dreams, ambitions and goals and he took an active interest in the education of his children, grandchildren and the community. When doors were shut in people’s faces and they turned to him, he encouraged, supported and helped financially. He “scholarshipped” many young people he ran into throughout his travels. Many a waiter, valet attendant or housekeeper found themselves telling Dad their dreams and aspirations. After which he “scholarshipped” the aspiring students generously. Dad will be most remembered for his love of his community. Whether it was a church function, a school fundraiser or charity, Dad never hesitated to be the first to support the cause. Dad truly understood the meaning of philanthropy, never looking for accolades. He lived his father’s words: “you can’t change the world but you can change the world around you”. Dad gave generously because he believed in education and his community. He was a kind and generous soul who faithfully served his community and church. His children and grandchildren are so much better because of his guiding influence. One of his most special roles was the proud grandfather (“Papa John”, “Grandpa John”, “Gpa”, “Gampy”) to ten beautiful grandchildren that he loved more than anything. It did not matter how old his grandchildren were, he took them everywhere. A normal sighting around Berlin was Grandpa and a group of grandkids attending church and then eating dinner, stopping at the gas station, or getting ice cream; always paying with crisp new bills. He loved nothing more than spending time with his grandchildren, especially seeing them at their sports games or races. There was no town too far, no day too cold or hot, that he would not travel to see his grandchildren play or run. John was born February 27, 1936 in Berlin, the son of Harry J Kujawa and Agnes H (Drexler) Kujawa. He graduated from Marquette University in 1958 and served in the army from 1958-1960. He married Nancy J (Devere) on October 23, 1965. He is survived by his four children and their spouses, Catherine Kujawa (Dave Osterberg), Paul (Crystal) Kujawa, Elizabeth Kujawa and Peter (Lucinda) Kujawa. He is further survived by his cherished grandchildren; Dane, Bria, Nya, Elyse, Amanda and Nick (Chelsie) Osterberg; Frank, Tess and Pearl Kujawa; Harry and Jude Kujawa; Tyler and Marissa Kwidzinski; great grandchildren Aurora, Maverick and Oakley Osterberg. His sister Mary Bayorgeon, niece and goddaughter Julie (Vince) Maro and their children Ben, Marissa, Sasha and Ilya and nephew Stephen (Fabi) Bayorgeon and their children Harrison and Hannah. His faithful church and dinner partner cousin Judy Martin and his fun loving cousin Judy Gross. His brother-in-law Mike (Luanne) Devere, niece Amanda (Gary) Fischer and their children Reagan, Maddie and Bryce; sister-in-law Kevin (Louis) Moore, niece Megan and nephew Matt. And his Farmers Family. John was preceded in death by his wife Nancy, grandson Boone, his parents Harry and Agnes.

John Kujawa

February 27, 1936 - March 23, 2023