John Maki

He was born May 6, 1936 in Carlshend to Frank and Aali Maki. John’s first language was Finnish, and he loved speaking the language whenever he found someone to converse with. He grew up the son of immigrants, working the land with his beloved dad, farming with horses and walking to the one room schoolhouse. When he was 16 years old, his father bought a brand-new Ford 8N, a tractor John used hard and still owns.

As a young man he took a girl to a local dance, but ended up talking to Gloria Shaw all evening instead, and they married in 1958. John and Gloria were true life-partners in all things. Together they built a home in 1962 on the family property, and raised four children, all still living in the area: Walt (Karen) Maki, Bill (Carla) Maki, Julie (Jon) McCoy, and Don (Sandy) Maki. He was Grampa to Andy (Jacki) Benning, Jill (Jeremy) Connin, Keith (Brittany) Maki, Susan (Ed) Korpi, Brooke (Anthony) Gustavus, Samantha (Cote) Marshall, and Sara Koski. John had thirteen great-grandchildren and another on the way.

Preceding him in death were his wife Gloria in 2019, and all of his siblings: Charlie Kantola, Laimi Palesotti, Irene Kangas, Raymond Maki and Arvi Maki.

John was an incredibly hard-working man, full of sisu and Finnish pride. He lived his entire life on the farm he was born on. Through the years he worked many jobs, including Ingalls Lumber, Nyquist Oil, the Empire Mine, and Carroll Motors, finally retiring from civil service as a mechanic at K.I. Sawyer AFB. However, his main love was farming, making hay and raising potatoes and rutabagas, all of which was sold to local businesses and restaurants. John was well-known as a mechanic and jack-of-all-trades, the man who could fix things. These skills he passed on to his sons. When he retired, he bought a used sawmill and created John’s Custom Sawing. He was Mill Boss and Gloria was Yard Boss, and they had the caps to prove it! In his later years, John’s big garden turned into a simple row of tomato plants, so he and his daughter could make juice to be enjoyed all winter long.

John had an inquisitive mind and a determination to learn new things and figure problems out. He often said ‘if a man can build it, a man can fix it’. He was always tinkering, and never threw away something that might be useful in a future project. John volunteered for many years at the Marquette County Fair and at the U.P. Steam & Gas Engine Show in Escanaba, demonstrating the drag saw he rebuilt from parts found in the woods. He was an active member of the Finnish Lutheran Church of Carlshend, and later the Community Covenant Church of Carlshend.

Through the decades he and Gloria enjoyed snowmobiling, camping, card playing, gardening, ‘Finland Calling’ dances, FinnFest celebrations, and working in the sawmill. They fished year-round, keeping score in their small crowded boat or in their ‘pink palace’ ice shack, always with a dog. They made several trips to Finland, where John met cousins and researched his family’s history, and they enjoyed numerous road trips through Debbie Tours. Several times John was featured on Buck LaVasseur’s ‘Discovering’ television show and in the Mining Journal talking about his hunting and fishing adventures.

John made friends everywhere he went. He was an exceptionally good natured, outgoing, talkative man who sought out folks so they could share a cup of coffee or can of beer. Above all, John was a story teller, the keeper of family lore and Carlshend area history. Time spent with him meant there would be coffee and treats, laughs, and a tale or five. He loved family gatherings, and especially time with the guys at hunting camp, tending the fire and sharing a ‘toot’ bottle of ginger brandy. John was an ordinary man with simple wants and needs, but he lived his life exceptionally well.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Mill Creek Memory Care for their kind and compassionate service. We are certain your days will be quieter without John’s stories! Thanks for listening. A special hug and thanks to friend and neighbor Dorothy Robenault for her sweet and sensitive hospice care.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the Community Covenant Church, 588 Carlshend Road, Skandia, with Pastor Todd Spranger officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a service at 1:00 p.m., followed by a shared meal and conversation. John would heartily approve.

The family asks in lieu of flowers, a donation to UP Steam & Gas Engine Association, PO Box 954, Escanaba, MI 49829 in John Maki’s name would be appreciated.

Memories and condolences may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com