Melvin L. Maki

Melvin L. Maki, 87, lifelong East End Superior and Lake Minnesuing resident, died Monday, September 30, 2019 at Villa Marina Health and Rehabilitation Center in Superior with his loving family by his side. He was born in a sauna in Superior, October 25, 1931, the son of Emil and Mayme (Maijala) Maki.

He graduated from East High School in Superior, and went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.

Melvin was united in marriage to Marian Siekkinen in Superior, on November 26, 1955, and they celebrated sixty-two years of marriage before her recent passing in June 2019.

After the war, he worked in farming, on the railroad and owned and operated a gas station in Duluth with his brother, James. He later became a local business man and owned and operated ServiceMaster in Superior and Duluth, from 1960 until his retirement in August of 1996.

Melvin enjoyed biking and biked into his seventies, and participated in ten Birkebeiner’s. He enjoyed woodworking, taking sauna’s, playing dominos and ball room dancing with his wife, Marian, and was a man who could fix anything.

He is survived by his children, Tod (Cassi) Maki, Ledgeview, WI, Dannette “Dani” (John) Watkins, Duluth, MN, Kevin Maki, and Kate Maki, both of Superior, WI; grandchildren, Nathaniel Plato, McMillan, MI, Jason (Jenna) Maki, Superior, WI, Ann Maki, and Shane Maki, both of Green Bay, WI, and Lindsay Maki, Appleton, WI; great-grandchildren, Hailey Maki, Emmett Plato, Roslyn Bufford, Kirsi and Kiira Maki; brother, James “Jimmy” Maki; and special nieces and nephews, Julie, Brenda, Tim and Joe.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marian; his parents; and brother, William “Billy” Maki.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 5, 2019 at Zion Lutheran Church, 2022 East 2 ^nd Street, Superior, and will continue until the 12:00 PM Memorial Service with Pastor Victor St. George officiating.

Following the service, Military Honors will be accorded by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post #435 Honor Guard.

Burial will be in Nemadji Cemetery at a later date.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Villa Marina for the wonderful care they offered.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made in Melvin’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 525 S. Lake Avenue, Duluth, MN 55802; or the Oulu Cultural Heritage Center, 71055 Muskeg Rd., Iron River, WI 54847.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5 ^th Street, Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com .