Lois Ann Maki

ISHPEMING TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Lois Ann Maki, age 64, of Ishpeming Township, and wife of Rev. Lauri O. Maki Jr., died on Sunday, March 6, 2022, at U.P. Health System-Marquette, in the loving and comforting care of her family.

Born May 31, 1957, in Milwaukee, a daughter of Joseph L. and Jacquelyn Ruth (Bollinger) Struck Sr., Lois was raised in Milwaukee, graduating from Bay View High School with the class of 1976. In her later teens, Lois met the love of her life, Lauri Maki Jr., and on June 25, 1977, the couple was united in marriage at All Saints Lutheran Church in Wakefield.

Together the couple moved to the Twin Cities where Lauri was attending Luther-Northwestern Theological Seminary. While living in St. Paul, Lois worked as a Certified Med Aide at Lyngblomsten Nursing Home. In 1981, the newly ordained pastor and wife headed for his first call to ministry at St. James Lutheran Church in Rudyard. Subsequent ministerial calls would take them to Ironwood's St. Paul and St. John's Lutheran Churches in 1985, and in the summer of 1993 to Ishpeming's Bethel Lutheran Church. Along the way, Lois balanced her roles of wife, mother and homemaker, along with those of being supportive of her husband in his ministry. Sometimes there were challenges and more often joys. She was a part of the WELCA group's Deborah Circle, the church choir, and taught Sunday School.

Lois had a passion for caring for others, always putting others before herself, and making sure everyone was OK. While raising her family, Lois also served as a caregiver to some of her elderly neighbors. Once the children were in school she enrolled at Northern Michigan University, receiving an Associate Degree in nursing in 1998. She began her nursing career as a LPN at Bell Memorial Hospital for a year before employment at Marquette Internal Medicine where she stayed until her retirement.

Throughout the years, with all the moves and challenges, Lois often said her greatest accomplishment was raising her family. She was fully devoted to them and loved her grandkids more than anything. She loved being "Grammie." Lois was very supportive of her children and grandkids, loved following their activities and attending their various events. She loved to cook large meals and bake for the family, making sure everyone was well fed. The menus were geared to feed five growing kids (and their friends) and as her children moved away, the portions remained large. The leftovers were always saved for the kids to take home when they visited.

In her leisure moments, Lois enjoyed crafting, cross stitching, sewing, watching movies with the grandkids, watching home improvement shows and Hallmark movies. She was an avid Packer fan and enjoyed watching the games with her husband and kids. Family times around the table playing board games, laughing and chatting with family were especially treasured as were special gatherings at Christmas and the Fourth of July. Although her family came first and always remained top priority, Lois had a soft spot for the family dogs and her grand fur babies. She always asked about them and loved seeing photos of them. She had a knack for loving, caring, and giving no matter who you were.

For many years, Lois battled the effects of rheumatoid arthritis which limited and slowed down many activities. She was a tough lady, forged onward, never complained, and was always more concerned about how others were doing. She loved her family unconditionally and was the best mom they could have asked for. All of her kids and grandkids will cherish the memories and moments they had with mom and Grammie.

A loving wife and mom, Lois is survived by her husband of almost 45 years, Lauri; her children, Lisa (Marc) Hillman of Ishpeming, Leah (Ryan) Michaud of Winneconne, Wisconsin, Lauri (Sara Wall) Maki III of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Lana (Kevin Juno) Maki of Madison, Wisconsin, Lance (Rajani Hyslop) Maki of Ishpeming, and her beloved golden retriever, Lexi; a loving Grammie to Ethan Wall-Atim, Jesse and Molly Michaud, and Sam Hillman. Also surviving are her mother, Jacquelyn Struck of Milwaukee; siblings, Linda (Art Jr.) Henrickson, Joseph Struck Jr., David (Karin) Struck and Laurie (Joseph) Kaebisch; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Brian Alkins, Laura Krznarich, Lee Maki, Leslie (Liz Barto) Maki, Lynn (Lowell Anderson) Hill and Larry (Lynn) Maki; and many nieces and nephews.

Lois was preceded in death by her father, Joseph L. Struck Sr .; father- and mother-in-law, Lauri and Jean Maki; brothers, Danny and Daryl Struck; sister, Diane Alkins; and nephew, Jon Struck.

The family will greet relatives and friends at Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming on Saturday, March 12, from 11:30 a.m. to the time of service at 1 p.m. Rev. Steve Weston will officiate. Masks are required.

Memorials may be directed to the Bethel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 333 E. Ridge St., Ishpeming, MI 49849.

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