Aino A. Maki, age 84, of 9165 Bay Shore Drive, Kipling, died Monday morning September 17, 2007 at the St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba following a brief illness.

Aino was born August 16, 1923 in Gladstone the son of Emil and Hilda Maki and he was raised in Kipling.  Aino graduated from Gladstone High School, Class of 1941, of which he graduated in the top ten of his class.  Following graduation he served his country in during WW II in the U.S. Navy where he was stationed on the USS McCord.

Aino was united in marriage to the former Berta C. Sinnaeve on July 21, 1951 at the All Saints Church in Gladstone.  They made their home in Kipling where they raised their five children.  He worked at the Morley Murphy Company in Escanaba until its closure.  From 1971 until his retirement in 1986 he worked for the City of Gladstone at the Waste Water Treatment Plant.

Aino was a member of All Saints Church, August Mattson Gladstone American Legion Post #71 and the Tin Can Sailors.  His hobbies included hunting, fishing, gardening and hiking in the woods.  He was an avid Green Bay Packer, Detroit Lion and University of Michigan fan.  In his younger years he enjoyed playing hockey and softball.

In addition to his wife of 56 years, Berta, survivors include:

2 sons: Paul Maki of Garth Point; Joe (Mia) Maki of Gladstone

3 daughters: Marcella (Gary) Chouinard of Gladstone; Mary Ellen (Don) Dausey of Gladstone; Theresa Martin of Kipling

1 sister: Violet Seppanen of Marquette, MI

11 grandchildren: Gary J. (Julie); Philip (Sandy); Maria (Keith); John (Sarah); Tim (Amanda); Harley; Karen; Wendy (Jason); Don; Jessica and Jimmer.

6 great grandchildren: Isabelle; Jazmine; Kai; Isaiah; Joshua; and Noah.

Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by:

2 brothers: Richard and George Maki

1 sister: Lillian Anderson

2 grandson’s: Peter and Nicholas.

Aino’s family will receive friends on Thursday from 3:00 to 5:45 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone.  Military Rites conducted by the Gladstone American Legion Post #71 will follow at 5:45 PM.  Funeral services celebrating the life of Aino A. Maki will follow at 6:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home with Rev. Fr. Arnold Grambow of All Saints Church officiating.  Luncheon will follow at the All Saints Church Parish Hall.  Burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Aino may be directed to the All Saints Church Elevator Fund, envelopes will be available at the Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes.