Obituary of Henry L Kujawa

Henry L. “Hank” Kujawa, 94, of Niles, passed away at Memorial Hospital in South Bend on Thursday, March 29, 2018.

He was born in Granger, Indiana on May 20, 1923, to the late Walter and Helen (Klemczak) Kujawa.

Hank was a veteran of World War II, serving with the United States Army in Japan.  After being honorably discharged he returned home to the family farm and for the next twelve years, he was a dairy farmer.  On November 29, 1947, Hank married Shirley Roebeck at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Niles.  He worked at several local factories before eventually working for Tyler Refrigeration Co. from which he retired after 20 years of service.  In retirement Hank enjoyed farming, especially bailing hay and raising beef cattle.  He proudly did this until he was well into his 80’s.  He and Shirley enjoyed country and bluegrass music and attended many concerts.  They were regulars at the bluegrass concerts at Riverfront Park. 

Hank also enjoyed taking care of his home and lawn.  He was always willing to help anyone in need.  Hank and Shirley were founding members of St. Mark Catholic Church where he served as an usher for many years. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley on January 5, 2017; a grandson; great-granddaughter; his six sisters, Connie Kujawa, Virginia Wolf, Sarah Schilling, Edwina Egmer, Mary Wachowiak, and Helen Hess; five brothers, Felix Kujawa, Walter Kujawa Jr., Zymonth Kujawa, Joseph Kujawa and Harry Kujawa.

Hank is survived by his sons; Roger Kujawa (Vickie Martin) of Waxahachie, Texas, Gerald (Mary Louise) Kujawa of Waxahachie, Texas, Richard “Dick” (Pat) Kujawa of Niles, Edward Kujawa of Edwardsburg and Terry “Tate” (Donella) Kujawa of Niles, seventeen grandchildren and thirty-two great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Mission Hills Memorial Chapel, 61453 M-51 in Niles, with Recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, April 5, 2018, at St. Mark Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. with Father Thomas King, C.S.C. officiating and Brother Dennis Meyers, C.S.C. assisting. Full military honors will be presented at Calvary Cemetery following mass.

Memorial contributions may be made in Hank’s memory to St. Mark Catholic Church located at 3 N. 19^th Street, Niles or Caring Circle Hospice at Home located at 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085    

The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, and aides at Beacon Medical Group, Memorial Hospital, and the entire staff at Buchanan Meadows during his long illness with Alzheimer’s Disease.  They would also like to thank his friends and neighbors, especially Dayne and Rich who were always more than helpful.