Bruno M. Koja

Bruno Michael Koja, a decorated WWII Veteran, age 81 of Roseville, died at Sunday, August 13, 2006 at Bi-County Community Hospital in Warren Michigan. Bruno was born September 24, 1924 in Hamtramck, Michigan the son of the late Jacob and the late Stella Koja. He is survived by his loving wife Gloria. He is the dear father of Christine Koja, and Kathe (Rick Lieder) Koja. Loving grandfather of Aaron Mustamaa. Brother of Raymond Koja, and Beatrice Fisher. Eighty-one years is both a long time, and not long enough. In his eighty-one years he would have turned 82 on September 24th Bruno Koja was a husband, father, grandfather, a brother and a son; he was a soldier, an auto repairman, a welder, a truck driver, a labor union advocate, a locksmith; captain of the Glory B (and the Glory B II), and semi-successful fisherman; a student of history, especially military history, and a keen observer of current events; a ham radio enthusiast; and in every role, he was a man who loved to talk, discuss, debate, defend, explain, dismiss, advise. No one ever called him to argument in vain. He was a very private man, who kept his deepest feelings for his family: his wife Gloria, his daughters Christine and Kathe, and especially, devotedly, and most openly, his grandson Aaron. He had his share of mishaps perhaps more than his share but it was not until his latest years that illness narrowed his life. Music softened some of that constriction; he rediscovered how much he loved certain songs, and took comfort in them. And as always, Glorias presence kept him centered and safe. Eighty-one years is a long time, not long enough, a lifetime. We will miss Bruno every day until we meet to talk again. Visitation for Mr. Koja will be Tuesday from 5-9 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 Mile). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday 10:00 am at St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 24800 Phlox in Eastpointe. Interment will follow in St. Clement Cemetery.