John Makela

John G. Makela Age 67 Iron River, MI Passed away Sunday, August 14, 2011 at his home with family at his side. Born February 9, 1944 in Stambaugh, MI The son of the late George and Dagmar (Loupa) Makela attended the Iron River Schools and graduated from Iron River High School in 1962. He joined the U.S. Air Force in January of 1964 and served three years in Germany with the 86th Air Force as a Radar Specialist. He was employed as a union carpenter and millwright for many contractors, including Proksch, Caspian, Hebert, Boldt, and C.R. Meyer through Carpenters Local 1510. He received his 35 year membership pin several years ago. He also served as Trustee for several years of Carpenters Local 1510. An avid hunter and fisherman, he built his own home in 1978 and many pieces of furniture out of Black Cherry in his workshop. He enjoyed wintering on South Padre Island, Texas and salt water fishing, especially for red snapper. John was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, a life Charter Member of Beechwood AMVETS Post #436, and he served as Post Commander for 30 years. He was an active member of the Westside Veterans Council for over 20 years, serving as Chairman for four years. He also served on the Iron County Soldiers and Sailors Relief Board and the Iron County Veteran Affairs Board. He proudly served as Parade Marshall for the 2010 4th of July parade. He was preceded in death by his wife Frances on September 24, 2004. He is survived by his son, Matthew (Christiane) Makela, Langley, VA Daughter, Sarah (David) McCord, Iron River, MI Two step-sons; Kristopher (Kristin) Kaye, Petoskey, MI Brian Kaye, Petoskey, MI Brother, Kenneth (Carole) Makela, Lindenhurst, IL Sister, Marilyn Pennanen, Iron River, MI Grandchildren, Riley and Ryan, Rogers, Logan McCord Joseph and Lacy Kaye Trysten and Miika Makela Nieces, nephews and extended family Visitation: Thursday, September 1, 2011 from 10:00 to 11:45 a.m. at Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River. Graveside Services: Thursday, September 1, 2011 at 12 noon at Resthaven Cemetery, Iron River, with the West Side Veterans to accord Military Rites. The family suggests memorial donations to the Beechwood Historical Society, P.O. Box 219, Iron River, MI 49935, Beechwood AMVETS, c/o Gary Lopez, 316 Amvets Hwy., Iron River, MI 49935, or the Iron County Cancer Unit, P.O. Box 45, Iron River, MI 49935. Funeral arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River.