William Paul Maki

William believed in the promise of being with the resurrected Jesus Christ in Heaven.

William was born in Marquette on January 19, 1940, the 13th child of 15 born to Matt and Viano (Turri) Maki. William spent most of his childhood growing up on the beautiful hill behind where the Norlite Nursing Center now stands. Like so many young men of his time, William left school and enlisted in the US Air Force at age 17. William’s service career was spent serving in Florida, Texas, and two years in Japan. He finished his high school studies while in Japan and was a 1959 graduate of Graveraet High School. He returned to Marquette in 1961 and was employed with Public Service Garage, then with OK Auto Parts, and then in construction work for a year. In July of 1964, William enlisted in the US Coast Guard, where he served as an aircraft mechanic. As an air crew member, he flew search and rescue missions in Traverse City, the Philippines, and Hawaii. William was honorably discharged in May 1968 and again returned to Marquette. Back in Marquette, William was employed with Lake Shore Negaunee. He met his future wife, Elsie Wiinamaki in 1971 and they married on June 23, 1973. Elsie and

William enjoyed many years together and had an active membership at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church for 44 years. The couple also enjoyed time camping, golfing, traveling, and spending happy times with family and friends.

William was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church, Jopling Post 44 of the American Legion, DAV, and VFW service organizations. He also was very supportive of veterans and those now serving our country. For many years, William was actively involved with Alcoholics Anonymous recovery program, helping those with addiction problems. The program helped him live a spiritual life and did the same for others, lifting them from the darkness of alcohol to the light of following God’s Will for their lives.

Survivors include his step-daughters, Terry (Wiinamaki) Keuscher of Marquette and Janet Wiinamaki (Brad) Weis of Moab, UT; sisters, Helen Johnson of Marquette, Edith Pariseau of Gwinn, Isabelle Maki of Medford, OR; brother, Mike (Sheila) Maki of Marquette; sister-in-law, Karen Maki of Marquette; brother-in- law, Larry Lawrence of Big Rapids; many nieces and nephews whom Bill enjoyed spending time with. He was always very thankful to the Lord for being from such a large family.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Matt and Viano Maki; his beautiful wife, Elsie Maki on February 18, 2017; son-in-law, Tim Keuscher; brothers, Arthur, Arnold, Alfred, Raymond, Albert, and Donald; sisters, Martha, Louise, Gertrude, and Lillian; step-son, John Wiinamaki; brothers-in-law, Lowell Johnson and Ron Pariseau; sisters-in-law, Marion Maki, Dorothy Maki, Joan Maki, and Betty Maki.

Friends may call at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Tuesday, November 25, beginning at 11:00 am until the time of service at 1:00 pm. Rev. Dr. Andrew Plocher will officiate. Interment with veterans honors will be held at the Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN or the Michigan Veterans Home D.J. Jacobetti Life Enrichment Fund.

It is William’s sincere desire that those attending his funeral will receive Christ as their Savior. Jesus died and rose from the dead. Do you believe or not? William would encourage you to believe and put Christ first in your life so that when you are called home you would surely share eternal life in Heaven. God bless you who come to the Lord so we can meet in God’s home, Heaven.

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

The family would like to express their appreciation to all the family, friends, medical personnel, and facilities, and organizations who assisted, cared for, and supported our beloved William P. Maki throughout the years. You all added to the quality of his life.