Larry Kujala

Larry Kujala passed away on December 31, 2024, at the Hibbing Hospital after a long and brave battle with CAA.

He was born in Chisholm, Minnesota, on July 20, 1948, to Gladys (Salo) and August Kujala.

After college at UMD and service as an Army Officer, he married his wife and best buddy, Jane (Lees) in October 1973; and started on his life as a business executive with the soul of a forest ranger.

Larry traveled extensively for his work, both domestically and overseas, and left a trail of friends a mile long behind him. He honestly could make friends with a tree.

In November of 2013, he retired to Clear Lake in Britt and began to tick off items on his bucket list. He managed to do them all except jumping out of an airplane. He loved God, his family, and the North woods, and spent as much time as possible hunting, fishing, and just being in the woods. His life was complete.

Larry accomplished much in his life, but he was most proud of his family. His son, Jake; daughter, Meredith and partner, Erin; and grandkids: Emma, Claire, Paige, Mazie, and Mack. They were his joy.

Larry is survived by his brother, Clayton; wife, Jane; Ginny (sister-in-law); and his kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins. He especially valued special friends: Gary, Bob, Dave, Rich and Skip. They were friends from grade school through college and beyond.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father; Caroline (sister-in-law); Bud (brother-in-law); and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and some very good friends.

The family would like to thank the staff of the 3rd floor at the Hibbing Hospital for their kind and respectful care during his final days, and also to thank the staff at Cornerstone Villa in Buhl for making his time there one of laughter, smiles, and pure joy.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook, Minnesota; or The Listening Point Foundation in Ely, Minnesota.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook, Minnesota, with visitation one hour (10:00 a.m.) before the service and a light lunch following.