DULUTH, Minn. – William D. Maki, 70, of Ramsay, Mich., passed away unexpectedly Monday morning, Aug. 27, 2012, at Essentia St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, with his loving family by his side.

He was born on March 17, 1942, in Hancock, Mich., the son of Waino O. and Edith C. (Gull) Maki. William graduated from A.D. Johnson High School in Bessemer, Mich.

From 1961 to 1964, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Independence. During his service, William received a Letter of Commendation and the Good Conduct Medal.

On Feb. 15, 1968, he was united in marriage to Marilyn F. Johnson.

Throughout his life, Willy was employed by White Pine Copper Mine, was a master electrician, and was the owner and operator of Mac's Electric with his son-in-law, Stacy Westeen, until the time of his retirement.

Willy enjoyed working in his garden, going to camp, traveling with his wife, Marilyn, and spending time with his best pal, Simon. He loved playing the guitar and singing with his brothers.

No one was a stranger to Willy. Everyone that knew and loved him has a "Willy" story.

Although William will be missed tremendously, he was loved completely and we are forever grateful for every moment.

William is survived by his wife, Marilyn; three daughters, Kelly (Todd) Randall, Wakefield, Mich., Tamara (Stacy) Westeen, Bessemer, and Elizabeth (Craig) Mussatti, Columbus, Ga.; six grandchildren, Ashley and Amber Parker, both of Wakefield, Andrew Westeen, USAFB, Colorado Springs, Colo., William Westeen, Ironwood, Mich., and Amanda and Nicholas Mussatti, both of Columbus; three brothers, Jim (Lori), DeLand, Fla., John (Debbie), Ramsay, and Ed (Jackie), Minneapolis; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Wayne; a sister, Betty Shore; a niece, Melanie Maki; and his father- and mother-in-law, Roy and Marie Johnson.

At his request, cremation has taken place.

The Maki family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, Aug. 30, from 1 to 3 p.m., with the honor guard beginning at 2:15 p.m., at Lakeside Memorial Chapel, 806 Putnam St., Wakefield, where a memorial service will follow at 3 p.m., with the Rev. Steve Hyvonen officiating.

Following the service, military rites will take place at the funeral home under the auspices of Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard.

A reception will be held at the American Legion, 605 River St., Wakefield, following the military honors.

The family would like to thank the staff at Aspirus Grand View Hospital Emergency Room Department and Essentia Health St. Mary's Medical Center Surgical Intensive Care Unit.


Lakeside Memorial Chapel of Wakefield is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.