Carl G. Makela

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Carl G. Makela, born April 15, 1923, in Wakefield, and died on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, at the age of 100, at the Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hurley, Wisconsin. His parents were John and Maryann (Hill) Makela. Carl lived his entire life in Wakefield. He was married for 53 years to Catherine Gerovac Makela. She passed away in 2001. Carl later married Eileen Ahonen. She survives.

Carl will be remembered as the mayor of Comet and for being an expert concertina musician who played all over the local area. He was born and died a farmer at heart and grew his crops into his late 90s. As a young man, he served in the U.S. Army in Kentucky as a medic. He worked in local logging camps, iron ore mines, copper mines, sailed the Great Lakes on ore boats and later became a third-grade teacher in the Wakefield School District. He faithfully entered a float in the Wakefield Fourth of July parade every year and will be remembered for providing entertainment to all. As an ace cross-country skier, he skied on his trails until he was 86 years old.

Carl is survived by his children, Mary Ann Marzari (Thomas), Tim Makela (Lori) and Brenda Balduc (Pat); his wife, Eileen; a sister, Dorothy Mattson; and his daughter-in-law, Nickole Makela. His loving grandchildren include Elizabeth, Travis, Troy, Alyssa and Dillon. Great-grandchildren include Hayden, Madeline, Carter and Bradley.

He was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Catherine; a son, Scott Makela; three brothers, John, Arvo and Reino; and four sisters Toini, Taimi, Bertha and Florine.

A private family gathering will be held for his burial.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is in charge of Carl's arrangements.