Stan was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Lena Kujawa; and his sisters, Marian Wall and Janice Hawes.
Stan is survived by his brothers, John Kujawa and Roger Kujawa; his children, Raymond Kujawa, Patricia Simmonds and Robert Kujawa; granddaughters, Robin Grider, Rachel Simmonds, Allison Kujawa, Nicole Kujawa and Rebecca Kujawa; daughters-in-law, Renee Kujawa and Dawn Kujawa; son in-law, Jon Simmonds; and grandson in-law, Gabe Grider.
Stan was a graduate of Hall High School in Spring Valley, IL. He played football, volunteered at the hospital, and served in the Civil Air Patrol before joining the U.S. Army for ten years of military service in a Special Forces unit. Stan married Lena on New Year’s Eve 1959 and later returned to Peoria, IL after his service to our country. In Peoria, he started his professional career with Hiram Walker Inc. and finished in Ft. Smith, AR as the supervisor of computer services. Stan also had a passion for researching, editing, and publishing books on topics ranging from aviation news, specialized local historical interests, and artistic postcards.
Fun facts: He was an avid train and model train enthusiast, much like his brothers, a Chicago Bears and Cubs fan, when offering popsicles to the granddaughters, the menu was limited to “Grape or Grape?” He was an Amateur Radio operator, W9FQC. A connoisseur and hoarder of triple dipped chocolate malted milk balls. Retired private pilot checked out in over 30 different types of fixed wing, experimental, and rotorcraft. As a paratrooper, he had more takeoffs than landings.
Stan will be remembered for his community involvement, patriotism, and his devotion to family as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.
There will be a private graveside service at the Fort Smith National Cemetery, arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith. Public Viewing will from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P. M. Sunday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Fayetteville Veterans Home, 1179 College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72703 or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or go to www.stjude.org
