http://www.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/61444/?fullname=michael-r-kaju

Michael R. Kaju

 

Kaju, Michael R. Age 57, of Mpls., born October 28, 1957 in Baghdad, Iraq, passed away January 20, 2015. Mike was the oldest of 10 children. Preceded in death by father, Michael A. and brother, Jeffrey. Survived by his loving family; mother, Jane; brothers and sisters, Peg (Bob Leonard), Paul (Jane Peterson), Tom, Gina, Kathy, Jim, Joe, Patty (Joe) McDonald; nieces and nephews; and many relatives and friends. He loved all sports, music, writing, politics, the Great Minnesota Get-Together, and spending time with his family. We will miss his kind heart, wit, and sense of humor. A special thank you to the fine staff at Redeemer Health & Rehab, Bethesda, HCMC, and Birchwood Care Home for their care and efforts. Memorials preferred to Redeemer Health & Rehab, 625 W. 31st St, Mpls., MN 55408. Private interment. Gill Brothers 612-861-6088

Published on January 24, 2015

Andy Moore

We were friends as children and I always thought of him as a good person. I'm so sorry for all you've been through. Be well.

1 year ago

Nancy Kopriva

Peg, I am so sorry for the loss of your brother Mike. You and all of your family have my deepest sympathy.

1 year ago

Craig Peterson

To the Kaju Family: 
I want to extend my sympathy to all of you in your time of sorrow and loss. Blessings and peace. 
Craig

1 year ago

Julie Willenbring

Dearest Gina, Michelle, Jane, Peggy & all of the Kaju family, You all are in my thoughts & prayers @ this difficult time in the passing of Mike. Gina , you are one of the funniest gals I know & it looks like you got some of it from your brother :) May God wrap his arms around all of you giving you peace & comfort.. now & in the days ahead Love always, Julie

1 year ago

Tass vonb Schmidt-Pauli

My deep sorrow and condolences to the Kaju Family whom my famoly have kno0wn for 45 years as next door neighbors

1 year ago

Terri (Quale) Cope

I am so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. Although I have not seen him in many years, I have many fond memories of Mike from high school - he always had such a great smile. Thoughts and prayers to all of you.

1 year ago

Mary Beth Kopriva

My most sincerest condolences go to you, Jane, and to each of you, Mike's siblings. In long-time friendship, MB

1 year ago

Paul and Sarah Baude

Deepest condolences from the Baude family. We are close friends with Joe and send our sympathies.

1 year ago

Richard Byrd

Mike, (Aidu) -- I will always have the fondest of memories of you. Your smile and enthusiasm when we were young always brightened the room. May God's understanding and his peace be with you and your family. A friend always, Byrdman

1 year ago

Peter Gleekel

I just heard the very sad news on Mike's passing. My most heartfelt condolences on your loss. I hope you may all find some peace and comfort. 
Peter

1 year ago

Mike Smith

Good bless all of you as you mourn for Mike. Mike was a friend of mine in junior high school.

1 year ago

Kerilee Johnson

Mike, 
I will miss your phone calls almost daily :) You always made me laugh and you loved to tell me about your previous day or what your plan was for the day. 
May you rest in peace. 

To the entire Kaju Family, I was deeply saddened to hear about Mike - keep his spirits alive!! My prayers are with each of you.

1 year ago

Jim Byron

Gina and the Kaju family- 
So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. My you find comfort in the many great memories you have of him.

1 year ago

Molly Moynihan

My prayers are with all of you Kaju's at the loss of your dear brother. Having lost my brother I too know the hole that is left in your heart. Please find comfort in the knowledge that his spirit lives on in each of you. His kind soul and warm smile will be with you to comfort you in his absence. Although I had not seen him in many years, my memories are fond. Seriousness, laughter, silliness and friendship to name a few. But most outstanding was the genuine pride and love he had for each of you - what a gift.

1 year ago

 Joe Kaju

Mike, you are gone in the body, but your wonderful spirit lives on.While we will have a private interment, there will be memorial mass for you at St. Pat's Church Chapel in Edina this Thursday Jan 29th at 4 p.m. Anyone is welcome. I love you brother, always. Joey 

1 year ago

Tom Kaju

Dear Mike , Thanks for always letting me tag along - my oldest brother is gone . Gone to a better place . Your life was not easy for you or fair but you never gave up , your sense of humor rubbed off on me , and you always made me laugh, See you again someday ! I love you , Tommy

1 year ago

Diane Buresh Harrison

My condolences to the Kaju family. Fond memories of Mike in Jr. & Sr. high schools. My memories of Mike are from our school days as he was involved in Young Life, fun loving & playful, a good athlete, and a member of a large family that was friendly to all. RIP Mike.

1 year ago

Teri Frisk

My heart goes out to the Kaju family. Mike's photo brings back memories of his big smile at Edina West. RIP Mike.

1 year ago

Kurt von Schmidt-Pauli

Memories are what remains when the people, places and things we love are no more. We carry them with us forever and they bring us joy and comfort. One tends to remember the important things in our lives. I remember Mike. 

Having lived next door, I had a front row seat watching the Kaju kids grow up and I have many memories of Mike - his demeanor, his skills, his playful nature and his competitive streak too. I remember that determined high school student who found the sport of Soccer before it became main stream in the USA. He spent hour upon hour of dribbling the ball, shooting to the imaginary goal that was our wire fence and having the neighbor kids try to get the ball away from him while he practiced. High socks, long, bushy hair and that ever-present smile. You could see the competitive fire in his eyes. Mike was a very talented soccer player and a protector of his family too. If you had an argument or “fight” with any of his siblings, you feared having Mike to deal with. :-) 

More than that, however, I remember his laughter. No matter what Mike was doing, he could laugh and, along with him, make you smile and laugh too. It was positive energy that flowed from him, no matter what challenges he might have been facing. He always asked how you were and remembered in great detail what you were doing and what your family was doing, expressing his genuine interest with every interaction. 

While I had not seen him for years, I vividly remember his warmth and am sorry he was called home so early in life. I hope that I can care for others as did he. The world should have more kind souls like Mike walking amongst us. I will miss him. 

1 year ago

Charles and Marietta Munster

Dear Jane and family, 

Paul was just here and told us that they had prayed for Mike at Mass tonight. How very sorry we were to hear the sad news. Mike was our first paper boy when we moved to Edina 45 years ago. He was always so prompt, courteous and cheerful! We last saw him with Jim at the Auto Show several years ago. Again, he was so pleasant and cheerful saying how proud he was of his "big, younger brother". 

Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you in your loss. 
Chuck and Marietta

1 year ago

Peg Kaju

Dear Mike, I will miss you dearly. I will miss your smile and cheerful expression when you saw me. That always made my day. Thank you for your friendship, memories, and lots of good laughs along the way. RIP. With love, your sister Peg

1 year ago