Douglas Paul Kujala

Doug was born on Nov. 21, 1941, in Escanaba, to Leslie and Elma (Wainio) Kujala. He graduated from Kingsford High School in 1960 and proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1966.

Doug pursued a career as a truck driver, just like his father. In 1989, he realized his dream of owning his own trucking company, KSR Trucking Co., until 2010. Even well into his 70s, Doug continued to drive trucks for various companies before retiring at home, always accompanied by his cherished companion, Sisu. Doug had a heart as vast as the open road he often traveled, making him an incredibly kind, caring, forgiving and generous soul with a touch of that characteristic stubborn Finnish attitude-SISU. He was the family jokester, always ready with a witty remark to bring a smile to the faces of those around him.

His generosity knew no bounds, and he was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Doug lived life on his terms, and his determination was matched only by his unwavering love for his family, friends, and his dogs. In our memories, Doug will forever be remembered as a man who journeyed through life with a sense of purpose, unwavering love for his family, a hearty sense of humor, boundless forgiveness, and an enduring love for his favorite pastimes – we all knew his favorite color was chrome.

Doug is survived by his four beloved children, Shelly (Joey) Buch, Stacy Bottesi, Shawn (Brandi) Kujala, and Starr (Greg) Russell; brothers, Conrad Kujala, Jack (Diane) Kujala, and Jeffrey (Patty) Kujala; sisters, Nancy (John) D’Amour, Jean VanWinkle, Linda (Brad) Ross and Cathy (Mark) Swenski; grandchildren, Paul (Jaci), Patrick (Heather), Brianna, Renee, Marinda, Jaden, Ethan, Amelia, Olivia, and Abby; great-grandchildren, Trever, Aubriella, Brynna, Carsten, Maeve, and Wesley; and many, many nieces and nephews.

Doug was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne (Paque) Kujala; an infant son, Steven Kujala; his parents, Leslie and Elma Kujala; his stepmother, Charlotte Kujala; brothers, Wayne Kujala, Steven Kujala, Theodore Kujala, Michael Kujala, and infant brother, Richard; sister, Fay Lemke; sisters-in-law, Joan Kujala, and Pamela Kujala; brother-in-law, Gary Lemke; nephews, Lucas VanWinkle, Thomas Kujala and Cory Lemke; and great nephew, Owen Ellis.

Visitation will be from noon until 2 p.m. Saturday at the First Covenant Church in Iron Mountain. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. at the church. Rev. Chad Harrison will officiate. Burial will be in the Quinnesec Cemetery. The Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 will conduct full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.

Condolences to the family of Doug Kujala may be expressed online at www.ernashfueralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.