Ronald J. "Rooster" Makela

Ronald J. “Rooster” Makela, 77, Superior, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 04, 2015 at St. Luke’s Hospice Care Center with his wife and two children by his side.

He was born on September 17, 1937 in Duluth, MN to Otto and Aili (Jacobson) Makela.

He grew up in the Town of Tripp and graduated from South Shore High School in 1955. Following his graduation he became an apprentice bricklayer, a profession he did until his retirement.

Ron married Sharon Lee Harrer on August 20, 1960 in Superior and celebrated 54 years of marriage.

He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church and was a member of the Bricklayer’s Union Local #2, where he previously served as secretary.

During his younger years he enjoyed working on the farm in Tripp and he enjoyed cutting pulp as a logger.

Ron enjoyed reading, attending his grandsons, Justin and C.J.’ s sporting events and enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter Nicole. He was very proud of his grandchildren. He also enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting and spending time at the family cabin on Ruth Lake in Iron River, WI.

Ron looked forward to Jeff catching fish and smoking the fish for him and enjoyed Jeff sharing his fishing and hunting pictures and stories.

In addition to his wife Sharon, Ron is survived by one son, Jeff Makela, Superior; one daughter, Cindy Michalski, Superior; three grandchildren, Christopher “C.J.” Makela, Justin Michalski and Nicole Michalski; one great-grandson, Nathaniel “Nate” Michalski; two brothers, Lloyd (Jane) Makela, Weston, WI, Gerald (Carole) Makela, Fort Collins, CO, nieces and nephews and a special friend, Brian Conley. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, March 9, 2015 in the Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home and will continue at 10:00 AM until the 11:00 AM Funeral Service on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at Christ Lutheran Church, 320 No. 28th St., Superior, with Pastor David Schoessow officiating.

Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers for the service will be Ron’s children, Jeff and Cindy, His grandchildren, Christopher, Justin and Nicole and his friend, Brian Conley.

Ron’s family would like to express a special thank you to his primary physician, Dr. Jay Knuths, St. Luke’s Hospital and Hospice Care Center, the staff at Middle River Health and Rehabilitation Center and Villa-Marina Health and Rehabilitation Center for their wonderful care and kindness they showed Ron over the years and a thank you to Pastor David Schoessow for the prayers and support.

To send a condolence or sign the on-line guest book, visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.