Walter Victor Maki
Walter Victor Maki, age 94, of Virginia peacefully left us on Saturday, May 1, 2010 after a brief stay at the Virginia Convalescent Center.
Walter was born on October 21, 1915, in Florenton, MN, the 8th of 13 children of Frank and Rosa (Perttu) Maki. After attending Virginia School until the 8th grade, he left to help his parents on the farm. On July 11, 1937 he married Edna Marie Erkilla, a union that lasted 65 years until her passing on April 12, 2003. They had 9 children. He was drafted into the Army in 1944 and served until WWII ended. He worked on the Alaskan Highway project, at WS Moore Mining Company, in construction and in logging. He was part owner of R & W Right of Way, Inc. where he worked until he retired at age 65. After retirement, he continued to work part-time in the pulp wood harvesting until age 80. He was a long time resident of Sandy Township.
Walter loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting and was a great shot. He loved the peace of being outdoors and harvesting wild rice with his brother Robert. He was always proud of his potato field and the amount of potatoes harvested each fall.
He spent his final years living on his home place along with his son Galen, Galen’s wife Sharon and their daughter Marnie, who took care of him until his death.
He will be missed; however, we are rejoicing that he is in Heaven.
Walter is survived by his four sons: Delwyn (Marsha) Maki of Coos Bay, OR; Terry (Christine) Maki of Florenton, MN; Galen (Sharon) Maki of Pike Sandy, MN; Lowell (Denise) Maki of Virginia, MN; two daughters: Linda (Mrs. Dennis) Jussila of Two Harbors, MN; Phyllis Oulman and her partner Mel Shepis of Ontario, OR; a son-in-law, Marvin Hammer of Long Beach, WA; 30 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; his sister, Laura Aronen of Embarrass, MN; his brother, Robert Maki of Florenton, MN; and numerous nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Rosa Maki; beloved wife, Edna; his daughter, Carolyn Hammer; his daughter and son-in-law: Annette and Thomas Godfrey; his son, Francis; his son-in-law; Harold Oulman; his grandsons, Richard Godfrey and Jessie Maki;; and his siblings, Helen Peterson, John Maki, George Maki, Lempi Heikkila, Tom Maki, Ester Holevais, Viekko Maki, Joyce Tigh, Donald Maki and Archie Maki.
Viewing hours will be Monday, May 10, 2010 from 5-7pm at Range Funeral Home, Virginia. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 1:00pm at True Hope Fellowship in Virginia with viewing held one hour prior to the Service. Burial will be in the Sandy Cemetery and serving as pallbearers will be Delwyn Maki Jr., Shawn Maki, Craig Jussila, Chris Jussila, Ben Jussila and Matt Thomas.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Range Funeral Home,Virginia.
