John Frank Kujat

It is with deep sadness that John Frank Kujat passed away on May 5, 2025 at the age of 69. John was born on October 30, 1955 to Louis and Helen (Cleverley) Kujat.

John joined the Navy in 1974 and went through basic training at Naval Station Great Lakes. While serving on the USS Midway he was involved in Operation Frequent Wind which involved the evacuation of Saigon during the Vietnam War. He went on to serve four years in the United States Navy also serving on the USS Forrestal. Some of John’s favorite memories were made while stationed at Yokosuka Japan. John later went on to serve 30 years in the United States Air Force at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. While serving in the Air Force John was deployed to Desert Storm. John’s love and dedication for the military and the men and women whom he served with formed lifelong friendships that he cherished deeply. John served a total of 34 years serving his country that he loved. John was a true patriot whose legacy will forever resonate in the hearts of all who knew him.

John started caddying at Plum Hollow Golf Course when he was 13 years old which led to a life long love of the game. John was an avid golfer playing every chance he got. He played on the Selfridge league for over 30 years and most recently the league at Cracklewood where he was the league champion in 2021. 

John loved to travel to new and old places with his wife Cathy. He was particularly fond of traveling to San Diego where he loved visiting the USS Midway and would often joke about “knowing a guy” and giving a tour of the boat to his family members. For many years John enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at his cabin in West Branch. John was a history lover and enjoyed old war movies, watching golf and enjoying television.

For many years up until his death John was a Mentor for 41B District Veterans Treatment Court. John believed that everyone deserved a second chance. In 2021 John received the Terry Theuninck Award for his selfless dedication and service to the court. 

John's life was filled with love and he had a profound love for those around him. One of his favorite titles was being called Pops by Eleanor and Lukas. We will carry his spirit with us, always remembering his wonderful heart and unwavering dedication to those he loved.

John was a loving husband of Cathy; proud father of Melissa, Jennifer (Joel), Nickie (Alex), David and Sara; loving brother to Catherine (Dennis) Bowman, Mary Helen (John) Miller and Patricia (Deacon Dave) Casnovsky; cherished Pops to Eleanor and Lukas; beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his loyal service dog Lexi. John was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Helen, brothers Louis (Bud) and Robert (Bob), and his first wife Patricia (Pat). 

John left this world too soon, but his spirit will forever be a part of our lives. We will miss John’s quick wit, dry sense of humor and sarcastic nature for the rest of our lives. 

In lieu of flowers please Donations may also be made to the Rogel Cancer Center Gift Fund (Wilcox) at the University of Michigan where John received treatment. Checks may be made payable to “University of Michigan” and sent to 777 E. Eisenhower Pkwy., Suite 650, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Please include “in memory of John Kujat” in the memo line of the check or in an attached note. You may also call 734-764-6777 or visit the following link to make your gift https://victors.us/johnkujat 

A private burial will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery at a later date.

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