Paul A. Cujak

Paul A. Cujak, age 91, of Ripon, WI, went to his heavenly home on Friday, August 29, 2025 at SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital with his family by his side. Paul was born on May 11, 1934 at Berlin Memorial Hospital in Berlin, WI; the son of Kleofas and Barbara (Klinke) Cujak. Paul attended and graduated from Berlin High School, Class of 1952. He served his country in the United States National Guard for 8 years. He was united in marriage to his loving wife, Janice Gray on July 25, 1959 at St. Joseph’s Church in Fond du Lac, WI. She preceded him in death on February 25, 2025 after 65 years of marriage.

Paul was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Ripon.  During high school, he worked at his father’s grocery store, but also became an excellent self-trained auto mechanic.   He owned his own service station in Ripon, and then took a job at a car dealership in Oshkosh.  He also held service writer positions at dealerships in Fond du Lac and Appleton.  All the while, he maintained his own “Drive In Service” auto repair business.  His garage was famously well organized and fastidious.  He had many wonderful customers over the years. 

One of his most favorite things to do was to restore old cars.  He owned a 1930 Ford that he drove at his wedding.  He had a 1936 Ford coupe convertible, and later in life, restored a 1947 Mercury sedan.   We all fondly remember going out for ice cream in his cars.

When we were young, we remember he would take us to the park after dinner when our mom was working second shift.  He would lead hikes in South Woods in the summer, and drive across not quite, frozen creeks in the winter.  He loved pheasant hunting, old country music, and meeting his friends for coffee once a week.

Paul is survived by his children: Ann (John) Pecoraro of Prior Lake, MN, John (Sheri) Cujak of Westfield, Amy (Kevin) Kiplin of Berlin, and Michael (Claudia) Cujak of Geroldswil, Switzerland; 11 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; other relatives, and many dear friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Janice; and infant daughter, Carol.

Per the wishes of Paul, he will be cremated with no services. Full military honors and inurnment will be held at 1:00 on Friday, September 12, 2025 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Ripon. Divine Passage Funeral Home in Ripon is serving the family. Divinepassagefunerals.com

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