Obituary of Russell E. Maki

Russell Edwin Maki, the son of Edwin J. and Sadie (Tapio) Maki, was born January 22, 1920 in New York Mills, Minnesota. He attended the Chisholm Senior High School. After high school, Russell joined the Civilian Conservation Corps serving in Northern Minnesota. He joined the United States Army prior to the bombing of Pearl Harbor and served for nearly four years during World War II. He was deployed around the world, serving in Africa, Italy and Germany. He fought in 7 major campaigns. He often was in charge of driving officers to and from the front lines in combat and blackout conditions in all types of terrain and weather. On May 17, 1947, Russell was united in marriage with his best friend and the love of his life, Glorian Cora Hince. This union of 63 years began in the beautiful North Country of Grand Rapids, MN where they then started their family together which included 5 wonderful children. His love and devotion for his family was demonstrated in the way he led his life, the examples he set and the amazing foundation he established for his children and extended family to follow. Russell's strong work ethic confirmed this same passion and devotion, as he was a committed employee in the field of auto body repair for over 30 years. Russell also enjoyed the "simple pleasures" in life, which might include a trip to Kone Korner for ice cream, a fish fry on the shoreline with his family, a great story shared by the campfire, an evening with "the guys" on the bowling league or enjoying a sunny afternoon on the deck reminiscing about the many good times. Although he loved all of these "simple pleasures", his true passion was his love for the North Country and all of the wonderful things that included: fishing for hours from his prized boat, potluck dinners with his lake friends and precious time spent with his brothers and extended family. Russell went to be with the lord on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at the Hospice of Jasper County Monarch Wing at Skiff Medical Center in Newton. He was 91 years old. Russell was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Mildred and Vivian. Those left to honor Russell's memory include his wife of 63 years, Glorian Maki of Newton; his daughter, Lorraine (Brian) Smith of Ames, Iowa, grandchildren, Ron (Rhonda), Kris (Mike) Srsha, Dave (Sarha); his son, Dale (Shari) Maki of Newton, grandchild, Kim (Mark) Brakke, Jeff (Donna); son, Gary (Debi) Maki of Newton, grandchildren, Erik (Heather), Bret, Conner, Alex, Addison, Ryan (Jen), Josiah, Sam Shedlock, Jennifer, Rachel, Alexis; daughter, Karen (Tom) Partridge of Minneapolis, Minnesota, grandchildren, Tommy (Alyssa), Rachelle; daughter, Jannette (John) Buckley of Chicago, Illinois, grandchildren, Brianna, Brittany, Brady; his brothers, Clifford, Rayno and Ken, 23 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held Saturday, April 2nd at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1115 S. 8th Avenue E. in Newton. The family will greet friends Friday, April 1st from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home, 310 N. 2nd Ave. E. in Newton. A public vigil service will begin at 7:00 p.m. The family will also greet friends on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Memorials may be designated to the Willowbrook Adult Day Care Center or Hospice of Jasper County and may be left at the church or at Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home.