John Kujawa

MORTON – John A. Kujawa passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at the age of 73.

He was born on September 28, 1949, in Spring Valley, Ill., to Stanley J and Ann (Brongel) Kujawa.

John is survived by one brother, Roger (Kathy) Kujawa, with whom he made his home; 12 nieces and nephews; and 18 great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Stanley Kujawa, Marian Kujawa Wall and Janice Kujawa Hawes.

John loved playing with his nieces and nephews as they were growing up. He was especially close to his “little buddy” nephew, Adam Kujawa. John supported all of Adam’s music endeavors and was proud of Adam’s music degrees and professional violinist status. Throughout college and Adam’s touring years, they maintained bi-weekly texting conversations regarding music and hippopotamuses. John would beam every time he received a message from Adam.

After moving to Peoria, Ill., John attended Peoria Central High School and Bradley University. He worked at Bradley University as a photographer and later at the Peoria Public Library as a library assistant; retiring four years ago.

John was an avid model railroader and railfan. He especially enjoyed train outings with his brother, Roger, and their friends. He loved taking pictures of trains during these excursions. He took pride in building and fixing up model train engines and had built an intricate model railroad.

In addition to model trains, John enjoyed working with Ham radios, a hobby he became involved in at an early age with his father. John used his Ham Radio knowledge to help others through working with the Peoria County and Tazewell County Emergency Services staff assisting in storm watching and other emergency situations. John would often be seen with at least two radios at his side.

John was a lifetime member of the National Model Railroaders Association. In addition, he was a member of the Peoria and Tazewell area Amateur Radio Clubs and the Knights of Columbus. He attended St Mark Catholic Church in Peoria and Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Morton.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, February 24, 2023, at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton, with Msgr. Gerald Ward officiating. Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Hillcrest Memory Gardens in Morton.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society.

Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.

To leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com.