Kenneth 'Ken' Lauri Maki

HURLEY, Wis. - Ken Maki, a resident of Hurley, and formerly of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on July 9, 1934, in Ironwood, Michigan, Ken lived a long and fulfilling life.

Ken's work ethic was instilled on the family farm in North Ironwood, Michigan. After leaving the farm, he became a miner at the Newport Mine in Ironwood and took on other laboring jobs in the area. Upon moving to Kenosha, he dedicated 30 years to American Brass Corporation (later Outokumpu Brass) before retiring to Hurley in 1999.

He was a beloved member of both Hurley and Kenosha. In retirement, he was known for starting his days with friends at local restaurants and Rigoni's Bakery in Ironwood. Even in retirement, he continued his work ethic for 17 years at Iron County Recycling in Iron Belt.

Ken was married to Margaret "Marge" Maki on Sept. 26, 1953. Marge passed away in 2006, after 52 years of marriage. Together they raised two sons, Bernie Maki of South Range, Wisconsin, and Michael Maki (Matthew Cadwell) of Kenosha. Ken was also preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Impi Maki; brothers, Reino, Tauno, Edwin and Bernard; and a sister, Mary Mortenson.

He found companionship with Cheryl Hansen after his wife's passing. They shared a special connection and cherished their time together, including nightly phone calls.

Beyond his family and work, Ken was an outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, fishing, and yard work. He also found joy in vegetable gardening and traveling through the Midwest. Ken was an avid animal lover and enjoyed feeding the local wildlife, including deer, birds, raccoons, turkeys, chipmunks and hummingbirds in his backyard. Watching Westerns and Andy Griffith, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers were some of his favorite pastimes. He always looked forward to hosting a weekly sauna night with friends.

The family extends their gratitude to the medical staff at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota; as well as neighbors, Bob and Sandy Czerniak, and Dave and Danette Pocian, who looked after Dad. Also, special thanks is given to Dale Pryor, who picked up Dad for coffee and breakfast every week.

A memorial service will be held at Sharon Lutheran Church in Bessemer, Michigan, on Friday, May 10, at 11 a.m., with visitation starting at 10 a.m. until the time of service. Inurnment will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to be made to HOPE Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 261, Ironwood, MI 49938, or hopeanimalshelter.org, in Ken's memory.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, Michigan, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.