Walter Maki

Walter Maki, age 72, passed away peacefully, ending a battle with cancer on December 22, 2009. He was in the comfort of his home with family by his side. He was the son of the late Eino Matthew and Myrtle (Jenkins) Maki. He was born in their home on October 15, 1937. He was employed by Angeli Foods for nearly 40 years. Then he worked briefly for Our Family Foods until he decided to make a career change and do carpentry work. Wally married Elaine Michlin on April 21, 1956 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Beechwood, MI. He and Elaine were life long residents of the area. They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in 1996. Later that same year, Elaine preceded him in death. Wally enjoyed a variety of activities. He spent many weekends taking his family camping and fishing. He enjoyed doing almost anything, if it was with his family or a good friend. He loved to play cards, throw horseshoes, hunt deer, build things, and watch old westerns on TV. He was an active member of the Sons of the American Legion Reino Post 21 and the VFW 3134. He was also preceded in death by his daughter Suzanna and his two brothers, Richard and Thomas. He is survived by his four children and a daughter in-law. Robert Maki of Iron River, Ruth Maki of Iron River, Donald and Zina Maki of Green Bay, and Susan Maki of Iron River; a brother, Ron and his wife Sandy Maki of Iron River; and his sister Shirley Cavasin of Crystal Falls. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Saturday, December 26th from 2:00 – 5:00 PM at the Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron River, 405 Cayuga Street. A memorial service will follow at the funeral home with Rev. Gary L. Markworth of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church officiating. After the service, friends and family are invited to the American Legion in Stambaugh for a luncheon and sharing their memories of Wally. Other condolences may be expressed online at www.jacobsfuneralhomeir.com. A special thanks to the good people of Hospice for their kind care, making Wally’s last days as comfortable as possible. Also, thanks to the American Legion in Stambaugh for their special friendship and support by arranging a fund raising benefit to help with the medical expenses.

Walter Maki

December 23, 2009