Anthony J. Kujawa

Anthony "Tony" J. Kujawa, 86, of Baraboo, WI, passed away August 27, 2024 at the SSM Hospice House in Baraboo. He was born on April 15, 1938 in Milwaukee, WI.

He attended Don Bosco High School (class of 1956) where he excelled in multiple sports, including football, baseball, and basketball. He was a key player on two championship basketball teams and was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame in 2017.

Tony was the first person in his family to attend college. He was awarded basketball and baseball scholarships to St. Mary's University in San Antonio and graduated in 1961. He received his master's degree from Roosevelt University in 1966 and subsequently earned a degree in Administrative Leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, followed by a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

After graduating from college he attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island and served 21 years in the U.S. Navy, advancing to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He served 6 years on active duty before transitioning to the Navy Reserve for the remainder of his service. While stationed at Great Lakes he coached basketball and led the Great Lakes Team to the championship game in the All-Navy Tournament.

Tony's career as an educator spanned nearly 50 years. His teaching and coaching career began at Francis Jordan High School in Milwaukee where he taught social studies and coached basketball in the Catholic Conference. He held several administrative positions in the Milwaukee area including at Nicolet, Mukwonago, and Waterford High Schools. He worked in the private sector for several years as an administrator for the law firm Mulcahy and Wherry before taking a position as District Administrator in Union Grove School District.

Tony became the District Administrator for the Baraboo School District in 1984 and served in that role for 20 years. During his tenure significant improvements and additions were made, including the construction of the indoor swimming pool and North Freedom Elementary School, as well as relocating the athletic field to the high school. As a lifelong educator, he understood the profound impact teachers have on students and worked tirelessly to build a community of exceptional educators dedicated to the success of every child. He was respected for his exemplary leadership and his remarkable ability to get things done.

Tony taught both undergraduate and graduate courses at Viterbo University and Edgewood College and mentored many aspiring administrators. Following his retirement, he served as a part time interim district administrator for the Fontana and Ithaca Schools.

His leadership extended to serving on the boards of the Carnegie-Schadde Public Library, St. Clare Hospital Foundation, Hospice Advisory Committee and Wisconsin School Music Association. His memberships included the Baraboo American Legion Post 26, Baraboo Country Club, Baraboo Optimists, Wisconsin Retired Educators, and St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Tony believed that family came first and found his greatest joy in the time spent with his loved ones. In 1966, he married Kathleen Weiner. They shared 38 years of marriage until her passing in 2002. Together, they had three children and were blessed with eight grandchildren. In 2005, he married Sue Eldred, and they enjoyed 19 years together, travelled extensively, and cherished the time they had together.

Tony is survived by his wife, Sue Eldred-Kujawa; his children, Patrick (Lenore) Kujawa, Peter (Stephanie) Kujawa, Colleen (Carl) Boraca; his grandchildren, Taylor, Brennan, Karina, Ryan, Emma, Henry, Maggie, Theo; his step-daughters, Rachel and Meg Cychosz; his sister, Nancy Aschenbrenner (late Jerry); brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Phil Weiner (Nancy), Roxanne Weiner (late Robert), Bill Eldred (Tracy), Jim Eldred, Janet Eldred; and beloved nieces, nephews, relatives and many close friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Kathleen; his parents Catherine and Joseph Kujawa; sister Dorothy Trzesniewski (late Ray); in-laws Raymond and Emma Weiner and Harry and Molly Eldred; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Roger and Lucy Weiner, Jerry and Joyce Weiner, and Robert and Monica Anderson.

Tony lived a life marked by dedication and service, but his greatest legacy is his role in building the Hospice House in Baraboo. Having experienced the challenges faced by caregivers and families when a loved one is dying, Tony dedicated himself to establishing a hospice facility in Baraboo. Under his visionary leadership, a committee of dedicated people raised the funds to have the facility built and it was dedicated in 2005.

After two years in home hospice, Tony spent the last 40 days of his life under the extraordinary care of the dedicated and compassionate staff at the Hospice House he made possible. His wife, Sue, and their entire family wish to express their enormous gratitude to everyone at SSM Hospice, including our hospice team, our dedicated caregiver Erwin Bauer, and all those who traveled this journey with us.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 24, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Parish in Baraboo, with Monsignor Larry Bakke officiating. In recognition of his military service, full military honors will be rendered following the service. A luncheon will follow at First Congregational Church in Baraboo, where family and friends are invited to gather and commemorate Tony's life.

A Celebration of Life and Community Gathering will be held on Wednesday, September 25, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Baraboo Arts Banquet Hall. The public is welcome.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the family for the Dr. Anthony J. Kujawa Memorial Scholarship established at Baraboo Community Scholarship Corporation. Memorials may also be sent directly to:

"Dr. Anthony J. Kujawa Memorial Scholarship"
Baraboo Community Scholarship Corporation
PO Box 380 Baraboo WI
53913-0380