Sulo Maki Obituary

Sulo (Si) A. Maki of Lake Linden, Michigan, passed away on July 4, 2025, at Gardenview in
Calumet, Michigan, at the age of 87. He was born on May 12, 1938, in Liminga, Michigan, to
parents Reino and Helmi (Hiltunen) Maki. He grew up in the Mohawk area before enlisting in the
Navy in 1958. He served 20 years as Machinist's Mate Chief, Senior, on the USS Guadalcanal
LPH-7 which involved operating, maintaining and repairing ship propulsion machinery and
auxiliary equipment before his honorable discharge.
Si went on to marry The Love of His Life, Barbara (Radcliffe) Maki, in 1978 and moved to
Marquette, Michigan, to begin an 18-year career at the Upper Peninsula Power Company. While
enjoying Marquette, Si took great pleasure gardening, camping, traveling, loved all sports and
"feeding" the birds. He also raised a family, though not his own, but he accepted Marilyn (Mari),
George (Eddie) and Robert (Robbie) as his children and took great care of them.
Si is preceded in death by his parents Reino and Helmi, his wife Barbara, after 35 years of
marriage, his brothers Wesley and Roy, his sisters Mary and Lillian, and step brother George.
Sulo is survived by his step sons, George of Calumet, Michigan, Robert and Angela (Vanabel)
Osborne of Apache Junction, Arizona, and his special niece, Marilyn Noble of Escanaba,
Michigan and his step brother, Clyde Gruver. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews
and grand nephews.
A memorial service will be held for Si the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet,
Michigan on July 30, 2025 at 12:00pm with Pastor Tony Laidlaw officiating. Visitation will be
held in the funeral home from 11:00am – 12:00pm. Following the service, Si will be laid to rest in
Calvary Cemetery in Ahmeek.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in honor of Si to your local Cancer Society.
Erickson-Crowley-Peterson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences for
the family can be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com