Aaro A. Maki

ASHLAND, Wis. - Aaro A. Maki, 92, of Oma, died Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Ashland.

He was born June 28, 1924, in Worcester, Mass., son of the late Matti and Saima (Niemela) Maki. Aaro attended Worcester schools and graduated from the Worcester High School.

From May 5, 1943, until Jan. 7, 1946, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the 135th Military Police Company. He served in the battles and campaigns of Naples-Foggia, North Apennines, Rome-Arno and the Western Pacific Antisubmarine Campaign. He was decorated with the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal.

After serving his country, Aaro was trained and then employed as a machinist.

He worked on the Johnny J. Jones Exposition Rail Show and the Great Lakes shipping freighters. He traveled to and worked in the state of Alaska. In Florida, he was a lifeguard and also worked construction. There, he met the former Arlene Saarnio. They were married on April 13, 1956, in Lake Worth, Fla.

Residing in Oma, Wisconsin, Aaro partnered with his father-in-law, Victor Saarnio, in the logging business before going into business for himself.

In his younger years Aaro was a golf caddy. He won a caddy championship in Worcester.

He is survived by his wife Arlene and children, Brian Maki, Bruce (Clara) Maki and Brenda Maki, all of Oma. Also surviving are grandchildren, Tanya (Brendan) McGee, Benjamin Maki, Lana (Daniel) Mueller, Katy Barto and Selena Olson.

Per Aaro's wishes cremation has taken place and no services will be held.

Inurnment will be in the Hurley Cemetery.

Range Funeral Service and Crematory and the Ketola-Burla Funeral Home of Hurley and Ironwood is in charge of arrangements.

To make an online condolence, visit us at rangefuneralservices.com.