Edward W. Bujak

Some people achieve greatness by some notable act, something that is recognized in the newspapers and on the radio. Others, like Edward Bujak, are quiet heroes, whose great deeds are softly given to the people fortunate enough to have him in their lives. Edward was born on February 28, 1923, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to proud parents, Emery and Wilhemina (Hesse) Bujak. Edward was the oldest of two boys, and was later joined by his brother, Henry. As a young man of 20, Edward married the love of his life, Hazel Berge, on March 15, 1943, in Detroit. Less than a month later, on April 4, 1943, Edward followed the same patriotic calling of many other young men of the time, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He proudly served his country during World War II aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Monterey, which fought in battles in the South Pacific. The USS Monterey was one of the ships in Tokyo Bay when the Japanese surrendered on September 2, 1945. Edward also sang in the Great Lakes Navy Choir. On December 4, 1945, Edward received his honorable discharge from the Navy, and returned home to his wife. They soon started a family of their own, and became the proud parents of three daughters, Barbara, Jo and Britta. Edward entered a four-year apprenticeship to learn the trade of tool and die at Murray Corporation in Detroit. Upon completion, he went to work at Brunswick in New Jersey, where he developed and engineered the pinsetter. Edward then worked at the Muskegon Pinsetter Plant as a Plant Engineer, as Maintenance Supervisor, and also worked in Purchasing. After his retirement from Brunswick, not one to be idle, Edward took a part-time job at Meijers and North Muskegon Ace Hardware, both in the Hardware Department. Besides being a devoted husband, father and employee, Edward was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church. He faithfully served his church in many capacities, as the Congregational President, Sunday School Teacher, Superintendent and Chairman of the Board of Deacons and Trustees. Edward also served his community as a former Board Member of the North Muskegon Public Schools. Edward W. Bujak, age 83, died Saturday, December 23, 2006. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Hazel; 3 daughters: Barbara Bujak of Orange Park, FL, Dr. Jo Bujak (dear friend, Mary Jone Kominske) of Traverse City, MI, and Britta (Roy Portenga) Bujak of Muskegon; 3 grandchildren: Dr. Amy Mosher, Edward Granger and Carl Houts; 1 great granddaughter, Jessica Mosher; 1 sister-in-law, Marian Bujak of Warren, MI; 2 nephews, Chuck and Tom; and 1 niece, Janet. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Henry Bujak. A private family service will be held at church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lutheran World Relief c/o First Evangelical Lutheran Church or the charity of choice. Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon