George Arne Maki

George was born January 19, 1929, in Mohawk, to the late Arne and Jennie (Linna) Maki. He graduated from Ishpeming High School with the class of 1946.

He married Dorene Gay (Hodge) Maki on May 16, 1953. They enjoyed 64 years. George began his childhood in Mohawk and then moved to Ishpeming. He attended grade school in West Ishpeming and high school at Ishpeming High School where he played football for three years.

After high school, he worked at the Mather A. Mine in Ishpeming before joining the Navy during the Korean War. After he was discharged from the Navy, he went back to work at the Mather A. Mine. Eventually he went on to work at the Marquette Branch Prison for 27 years as a corrections officer. George loved sports. He coached his son’s Little League team.

He was involved in a bowling league, horseshoe league, and he played baseball and softball. He also loved to watch sports, especially the Detroit Tigers, the Detroit Red Wings and the Green Bay Packers.

Anyone who met George would tell you that he was a kind man with a big heart. He enjoyed the little things in life such as – making bread in the bread maker, picking berries behind the house, taking a sauna, and grilling burgers with a beer. And most people who knew George would know that he would do these things with a toothpick in his mouth. George was ever so present in the lives of his family. He was a proud, honorable man who was loyal, responsible and dependable – always there for his family.

These attributes made him a great husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He loved his family with all of his might, and they loved him right back.

George was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gay and his parents. He is survived by three children: Brian (Julie) Maki of Ishpeming, Sandy (Todd) Dowrick of East Lansing and Cheri (Joseph) Sundling of Manistique, six grandchildren: Sheri (Chad) Hewitt, Traci (Adam) Michaud, Ryan Lofaro, Jordan Lofaro, Amy (Marcelo) Olivarez and Brad (Melissa) Dowrick, great-grandchildren: Caitlin Hewitt, Blake Hewitt, Nolan Michaud, McKenzie Michaud, Brody Lofaro, Norah Olivarez, Benjamin Olivarez, Mason Dowrick and Beau Dowrick, a brother, Ken Maki, a sister, Barbara McGowan along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

As George requested, cremation has taken place, and a private family service will be held.

George’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com, where friends and relatives may leave a note of remembrance.