St. Charles sixth grader learns family history in unique way

ST. CHARLES – Ben Kuzniar doesn’t remember a lot about his grandfather John Budilovsky.

But he’s gotten to really know the great and interesting man he was by reading his fittingly titled autobiography, “Death Does Not Take a Holiday.”

Budilovsky spent all of his working years in the funeral profession. He passed away at the age of 93 in 2009 when Kuzniar was just a few years old.

Kuzniar is in the midst of doing a book report for his sixth grade social studies class at St. Patrick’s Catholic School in St. Charles that requires him to formulate a timeline from an autobiographical book. Unlike most, if not all of his classmates, he had the rare opportunity of choosing one that hit close to home to him, his grandfather’s book, which he penned when he was in his 80s. His grandmother, Lee, who passed away three years ago at age 94, also wrote an autobiography, “Lady Lee.”

Both books are being featured this May in the local authors section of Harvey’s Tales in Geneva.

“We felt that in Geneva and the Fox Valley area as a whole that there are a lot of talented people and alternatives to traditional publishing,” said Chuck Osborne, owner of Harvey’s Tales. “We thought we’d give people an opportunity to try their stuff here and help out a little bit with a special showcase.”

Osborne said some independent bookstores are happy to feature local talent but bury it in the back of the store, whereas Harvey’s Tales features it.

“One of the complaints of local bookstores is they take the local stuff and stick it in the back and nobody sees it,” he said. “We put it on a prominent shelf. I just thought it was a good way to give back to the community and so far it’s been good.”

As expected, sales tend to vary. “Wasco, Illinois: A History” by Adam D. Gibbons and the children’s book about IVF, “I’m Very Ferris” by Tess Kossow are two popular, local releases.

“Some sell really well,” Osborne said. “I think everyone owns a copy of the Wasco book by now. The whole idea of local history and experiences is kind of cool. There’s some pretty interesting stuff out there.”

Kuzniar has learned some interesting things about his grandfather as part of his school project.

“I thought it was really cool as I read along and found out about some other people in my family,” he said. “I have a better understanding now of my family and of my grandfather’s personal life.”

Digging deep into the book, Kuzniar learned how his grandfather was dedicated to serving bereaved families with compassion as a funeral director while being blessed with a 59-year marriage and having three children.

“When the war was happening he avoided the draft because he was burying all the deceased soldiers,” Kuzniar said. “He received a medal of honor for his efforts in the war and as a funeral director he did a lot of nice things. He always had a very kind edge to everything he did.”

Kuzniar has heard many stories about his grandfather, but having the opportunity to read a first-hand account is about as close as it gets to experiencing the life he led. It certainly had made this homework assignment like no other.

“It’s been kind of fun,” he said. “It’s really cool doing a report on family members.”

And now he knows his grandfather more than ever, while future generations also can get to know him thanks to his decision to sit down and write his autobiography.

“I always will remember how he used to tell me about the Christmas train sets,” Kuzniar said. “I remember he was always happy whenever I saw him and he would always put others before him. He was always generous and always kind to everybody.”

Kuzniar’s family recognizes the significant benefit of the two autobiographies as well as the others books they have had published. They started the Budilovsky Literary Scholarship in honor of John and Leona Budilovsky to help encourage and support many generations of talented writers to come. Essays are submitted and judged twice a year and financial scholarships are awarded to the chosen literary talents through the College of DuPage Foundation.