Ronald K. Maki

IRONWOOD - Ronald K. Maki, 82, of 360 W. Midland Ave., Ironwood, formerly of Marenisco, passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2015.

Ron was born on April 12, 1933, in Marenisco, the son of William and Anna M. (Krueger) Maki. He was baptized in Marenisco and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bessemer. Ron attended grammar school in Marenisco and then moved with his parents to Bessemer. He attended A.D. Johnston High School and graduated in 1951.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and was honorably discharged on Feb. 12, 1957.

Ron attended Gogebic Community College for two years and then graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1961.

He then began his teaching career at Marenisco Roosevelt School and retired in 1990. Ron then went on to become a real estate agent and worked for J.W. Huss, Inc., Realty World and retired in 2002.

On March 26, 1964, Ron was united in marriage to Patricia Kay Gilbertson.

Ron belonged to area bowling leagues, taking top honors at Konteka Lanes' no-tap, earning him first place. (He burst his buttons on that one.)

He was a faithful member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Marenisco for 45 years, holding all offices at one time or another.

Ron belonged to the American Legion Post 523, holding the office of adjutant for many years, and was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3673 in Bessemer.

He was an avid deer hunter and enjoyed his time out at Elkhorn Lodge with his brother, Walter, nephews and friends.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Pat; a son, Rick (Kelly), Bellevue, Neb .; a daughter, Susie (Chip) Adrian, Ironwood; three precious grandchildren, Jeremy and Alyssa Maki, Bellevue, and Daniel Adrian, Ironwood; a great-granddaughter, Paislee Gable, Bellevue; two brothers, Walter (Grace), Ironwood, and Dean (Maryann), Valparaiso, Ind .; several nieces and nephews; and other loving relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Fritz, Billy, Lawrence and David; a sister, Lorraine Ulvinen; his brother-in-law, Rod Gilbertson; and a longtime friend, John Jurasin.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 20, 2015, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield, with the Rev. Kurt Brandon officiating.

Military rites will take place at the funeral home under the auspices of Marenisco American Legion Post 523, Bessemer American Legion Post 27 and Bessemer VFW Post 3673 Honor Guard.

Lunch will be served at Marenisco Town Hall following the military honors.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., Wakefield, Jerald Rocco, owner-manager. Condolences may be sent online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.