Wayne Michael Kujala

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died September 9, 2020

Wayne Michael Kujala, age 80, of Gladstone, passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at Christian Park Healthcare Center in Escanaba.

Wayne was born in Escanaba on November 2, 1939 to Leslie and Elma (Wainino) Kujala. He spent most of his childhood in Kingsford, Michigan graduating from Kingsford High School. He was in the US Army stationed at a Hawk Missile Site in Germany during the Cold War when the Berlin Wall was put up. He later worked in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for many years as a manufacturer engineer at Louis Allis Corporation. Wayne and his family relocated to the Upper Peninsula for employment at Eaton Corporation.

Wayne always had a smile. He always found the best in every situation. He would sing to his family, ” I have the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy, down In my heart, down in my heart to stay!” That Joy was the Joy of the Lord. And that is what got him through many tough days. He was such a fighter and always bounced back no matter the situation. He had an unconditional love for all and opened his home to anyone who had a need.

Wayne is survived by:
2 Sons: Daniel (Ashley Brunette) Kujala of Gladstone, MI
Todd Kujala of Gladstone, Mi
2 Daughters: Angela (Steven) Ives of Gladstone, MI
Holly Kujala of Gladstone, MI
4 Brothers: Conrad Kujala, Douglas Kujala, Jack (Diane) Kujala, and Jeffrey (Patty) Kujala
4 Sisters: Nancy (John) D’Amour, Jean VanWinkle, Linda (Brad) Ross and Cathy (Mark) Swenski.
Grandchildren: Benjamin (Kelsey) Ives, Heather (Jarek) McKinney, Heidi Ives, Hailee (Tyler) Wilkinson, Jordan Ives, Jared Kujala, Jake Kujala, Taylor Brunette, Jacob Plunger, Jayden Lippold, and Riley Kujala.
Great-Grandchildren:Eliana Bovin, Zadie and Zurie Ives, Zaden and Zelek McKinney, Harbor and Marina Wilkinson.

Many, many much loved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by
His parents Leslie and Elma Kujala and stepmother Charlotte Kujala
Infant brother Richard Leslie Kujala
Brothers Steven Kujala, Theodore Kujala, Michael Kujala
Sister Fay Lemke
Sisters-in-law Jeanne Kujala, Joan Kujala, and Pamela Kujala
Brothers-in-law Gary Lemke and David VanWinkle
Nephews Lucas VanWinkle, Thomas Kujala and great nephew Owen Ellis

Family will receive friends for a visitation from 12:00-2:00 PM with a Funeral Service immediately following on Friday, September 18, 2020 at Grace Church in Gladstone. Wayne will be laid to rest in the Lakeview Cemetery in Escanaba where military honors will be presented by the Gladstone American Legion Post 71. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Kujala family.

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8 Tributes for “Wayne Michael Kujala”

    Wayne always brought Joy Joy Joy Joy to many people. His smile was infectious. I and my mom will miss him greatly. He is now dancing and singing with the Lord. Excited for him, yet we, in our human life, have much grief and sadness. We miss you Wayne and will be looking forward to seeing you again…with all the Joy Joy Joy Joy in our hearts.

    I will always remember Wayne as a kind and caring man. He seemed to always smile and we would often spend our visits laughing and joking. I liked Wayne a lot. I’m sorry he is gone. God bless !

    With sadden heart we will miss that infectious smile and unique sense of humor. And yet we rejoice in knowing that this is not the end but just the beginning fo our brother in Christ. It was his love for the God who saved him out of the pits and renewed his purpose for life . And that love affected all and you either joined in that celebration of love for the Creator or walked away impacted and question your own choice; to believe in Him who spared not his own Son or why are you wandering away from the best thing that could change your life. His legacy in Christ will live on till we meet once again at our eternal home . To the family of Wayne our hearts and prayers are with you . And our voices raise alongside of you that we too have “ The Joy,joy,joydown in our heart.

    Thank you uncle Wayne for all of the love and joy you’ve brought into our lives. Thank you for your beautiful smile, and great humor. I will always love you and keep you in my heart. Until we meet again…

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