James "Beau" John Kujawa

James “Beau” John Kujawa, 63, Park Rapids, MN, passed away at his home Tuesday evening, December 3, 2019, from cancer, with his family at his side. Beau was born in Crookston, MN on March 13, 1956, the oldest of 9 children of the union of James P. and Mary (Glieden) Kujawa. He was raised in the Catholic faith and graduated from Mount St. Benedict High School with the class of 1974. His senior football team went the year undefeated. Beau attended UND for a short time then traveled throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico for the next ten years, often working in concrete construction, construction, and in the North Dakota oil fields. He loved people and life and on his adventures he gathered many cherished and life-long friends. On June 28, 1986 he was united in marriage to Laura Peterson in Milaca, MN. They made their home in Grand Forks, ND, Chicago, IL, and finally Park Rapids, MN in 1990. Their home and life was made complete with the birth of their daughter, Julia and son, James. He restored their home on the Hubbard Prairie with love. He loved living on the prairie and felt so blessed to be in the “best neighborhood ever”. Beau worked for various construction companies including Les Engman Ability Construction, Inness Construction, Ron Scholz, Park Rapids Hardwood and Milling, and was a partner in Kujawa Landquist Rustic Wood Furnishings for many years. Beau was a devoted and loyal friend, son and grandson, brother, husband, and father. He had a big heart. Kind to all, he was the person who stopped and helped any and all in need. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, carving, wood construction, playing cards, socializing, being at the lake, campfires, and collecting duck decoys. Beau saw the world through an artist’s eye and magically captured the world with his ever-ready camera. He loved driving around country roads. He was always busy. He loved his shop and everyone knew if the light was on, they were welcome no matter how late the night might be. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with all the “good” people he knew. He will be truly missed by so many. Beau is survived by his wife, Laura, of 33 years; his children, Julia (Josh Bettin) Kujawa and James W. Kujawa; granddaughter, Aurora Bettin; his mother Mary Kujawa of Crookston, MN; his siblings, Mike (Bonnie) Kujawa of East Grand Forks, MN; Mona (Tim) Korsmoe of Grand Forks, ND; Jaci (Glen) Wilder of Crookston, MN; Paul (Sarah) Kujawa of Detroit Lakes, MN; Tim (Kara) Kujawa of East Grand Forks; Julie (Jeff) Bigger of Alexandria, MN; Lee “Harv” Kujawa of Crookston; and Michelle (Shane Johnson) Kujawa of Alexandria; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many very special and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his father. Funeral services for James John Kujawa will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 12, 2019, at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids, MN with The Rev. Fr. Bryan Kujawa, presiding. Visitation will be held for 1 hour prior to the services. Friends may leave condolences at ceasefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Cease Family Funeral Home of Park Rapids, MN.