Bernard Jack Maki

Born June 1, 1941, in Marquette, a son of Vaino and Minnie (Dunquist) Maki, Bernie was raised on the family farm in Eben. It was on the farm that he developed a strong work ethic and learned the value of not taking anything for granted. His youth was filled with farm work, picking potatoes, making hay, along with the pleasures of trapping, hunting and fishing. He graduated from Eben High School, Class of 1959, where he played on the high school basketball team. He enlisted in the US Army in 1961 and was stationed for most of his military time in Germany. Upon his honorable discharge in 1963, Bernie and a school classmate moved to Chicago where he was employed in line work with the Max Factor Company. He later returned to the Upper Peninsula and was employed as a machine operator with Kimberly Clark Corporation. On June 6, 1970, Bernie was united in marriage to Pirkko Marjatta Tamsi in Waukegan, Illinois. Together the couple made their home in Eben where they raised two sons. Bernie retired from Kimberly Clark in 1996 as a tool sharpener. In 2018 the couple moved to Marquette Township. Bernie’s hobbies and special interests remained hunting and fishing, and for two years he served on the Eben High School Board of Education.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Pirkko; sons, Timothy Jack Maki of Wasilla, AK and Daniel Jack Maki of Newago; a granddaughter, Sophie Maki of Wasilla, AK; his brother, Marvin (Bonnie) Maki of Eben; a brother-in-law, Loren Berendt of Bridgman; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Gertrude Berendt; and his canine companion, a Jack Russell terrier named Daisy.

Graveside services will be announced at a later date.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.