Jean L. Maki

HOBART, Wis. - Jean Laverne Maki, 90, of Ironwood, Michigan, peacefully passed away at Emerald Bay Memory Care, Hobart, Wisconsin, on Saturday, July 3, 2021.

Jean was born on July 5, 1930, daughter of the late George and Sylvia (Peltonen) Anderson. She attended Ironwood schools, graduating from Luther L. Wright High School in 1948. After high school, Jean was employed at Lieberthal and Montgomery Ward. She married William "Weeps" Maki on Aug. 20, 1949, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ironwood.

After staying home to raise her four children, Jean began work for Pete's Electric followed by 23 years at Bresnan Communications as an office manager.

Jean loved spending time with family and friends. Many hours were spent playing cards, board games and chatting over afternoon coffee, and of course, something sweet to eat. She enjoyed baking, shopping, packing the trailer for vacations at Crystal Lake campground, painting pottery, knitting afghans, and coloring and reading with her grandchildren.

Jean is survived by her children Brian (Diana) Maki of Minocqua, Sandy (Gary) Bilenky of Marquette, Michigan, Gary Maki of Minocqua, and Kathy (Dale) Vande Walle of De Pere; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Jack (Anna Mae) Anderson; and brother-in-law, Eino (Jeanne) Maki.

She was preceded in death this April by "Weeps," her husband of 71 years; and her parents, George and Sylvia. A private funeral is planned for late summer and inurnment at Riverside Cemetery in Ironwood.

Memorial gifts will benefit Heartland Home Health Care and Hospice, whose associates cared for Jean in her final months.

Bolger Cremation and Funeral Services is assisting the family, bolgerfuneral.com.