Michael William Kujala

Michael William Kujala
April 19, 1955 – February 22, 2025
Michael William Kujala, a lifelong resident of Commerce Township, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the age of 69 after a courageous nine-year battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Born on April 19, 1955, to Allen Kujala and Shirley Kujala (Maddick), Mike grew up with strong ties to his community, remaining lifelong friends with those he met in childhood. He graduated from Walled Lake Western High School before enrolling in a carpentry trade school, later working alongside his father and uncle in the trade.
Mike took immense pride in his Finnish heritage and embodied the spirit of sisu-the Finnish concept of resilience and determination. Nowhere was this more evident than at the Detroit Finnish Cooperative Summer Camp Association, or "Finn Camp," where he and his family became members in 1968. It was there that he met the love of his life, Donna. They married on December 12, 1980, sharing 44 wonderful years together. In 1990, they settled in Lake Sherwood, where they raised their three children: Katherine, Matt, and Annie.
A devoted family man, Mike loved spending time with his children, coaching Matt in hockey, Annie in lacrosse, and going on long walks with Katherine. He cherished family vacations, especially a memorable trip to Gettysburg, fueled by his passion for history. An avid reader, he had an incredible depth of knowledge and could outmatch most people in Jeopardy!
He loved playing golf and cards with friends at Hickory Hill Golf Club, where he even achieved a hole-in-one. A lifelong animal lover, he rescued many throughout his life, with his most beloved being his cattle dog Dixie.
His greatest role of all was being "Papa" to his four grandchildren. He was so excited for each one when they came into the world and they admired and loved him back tenfold. Mike was the kind of neighbor who never hesitated to lend a hand and was a friend to all.
He is survived by his wife, Donna; his sister, Kari Aro (Delle); his children, Katherine Kujala (Scott Joy), Matt Kujala (Katie), and Annie George (Jacob); his cherished grandchildren, Jacob, Henry, Lainey, and Thomas. Mike was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Walled Lake.
His legacy of kindness, perseverance, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mike's name can be made to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 2040 S. Commerce Road, Walled Lake, Michigan 48390. OR Huron Valley Humane Society, 3100 Cherry Hill Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 11am. St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 2040 S. Commerce Road, Walled Lake, Michigan 48390. Family and guests are encouraged to gather at 10am.