Raymond Clifford Maki

Raymond Clifford Maki, age 86 of Watton, MI passed away on Sunday, March 11, 2012 at the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette, MI.

He was born September 3, 1925 in Watton, MI son of the late August P. and Fannie (Niemi) Maki. Ray grew up in Watton and graduated from L'Anse High School in 1943. He went into the US Army from March 1945 to November 1946 during WWII. While in the service he taught welding school. He was awarded a good conduct medal for exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity in the performance of duty. Ray was a life time member of the Covington VFW Post 8945, a member of the Am Vets in Covington, the American Legion Post 444 in Baraga, and a charter member of the American Legion Post 114 in Greenwood, MI.

In 1947 he married Maxine Cook. They lived in Diorite, MI and Ray worked for CCI for over 35 years; retiring in 1981. On November 29, 1984 he married Cynthia Gasner in L'Anse. They traveled all over the country while he worked as a mining consultant for CCI for 20 years. He was still active at 80 years old as a tour guide for the Ford Historical Museum in Alberta, MI.

He loved hunting, fishing, golfing, and throwing horse shoes. His best of all was baseball; he once struck out 19 men to bring Watton to a win against Rockland.

Surviving are his wife Cynthia Maki of Watton; son Steve Maki of Diorite, MI; daughter Laura (Arnold) Nurmela of Three Lakes, MI; step sons, Robert (Jean) Beauprey of Sidnaw, Tony (Kristy) Beauprey of Sidnaw; step daughter Jerita LaPlante of Covington; 12 grand children; 2 great grandchildren; brother Glenn (Betty) Maki of Covington; numerous nieces and nephews; and many special friends.

Preceding him in death are his son Gary Maki; first wife Maxine (Cook) Maki; parents August and Fannie Maki; brother Norman Maki; sisters, Fern Tilson, Lil Urpila, Sadie Hutula, Donna Laundy, and Violet Autio.

The family would like to thank the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans for his wonderful care during his stay there.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, May 19th at 3:00 pm in the Covington Cemetery. The Baraga County Area Veterans will be conducting military rites under the direction of the American Legion Post 444. Commital prayers will be said by Rev. Mark Reinsch. There will be a reception to follow at the VFW Post 8945 in Covington. The Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Friends may sign Ray's guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.