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As received from the Jacobson Funeral Home:
Jeffrey Scott Maki, age 53 of Baraga, Michigan passed away on Thursday, January 11th, 2024 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI.
He was born April 28, 1970 in L’Anse, MI son of Paul and Phyllis (Ellenich) Maki. Jeff graduated from Baraga High School in 1988, and went on to get his Florida contractors license and later his CDL license. In 1990, while living in Florida, he met his wife Michelle Mleko whom he knew as a child when they both had lived in Baraga; they married on August 12, 1995 at Most Holy Name of Jesus Church in Assinins, MI.
Jeff worked construction for his father-in-law, Michael Mleko Construction for over 20 years. He was self-employed as a carpenter in Baraga and drove truck for KBIC Waste Management for a short while. Jeff was a dedicated volunteer fire fighter for the Baraga Volunteer Fire Department for 17 years, serving in many positions, currently as President.
He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends while hunting, fishing, boating, camping, jeeping and just riding in the woods. He had many friends, knowing someone everywhere he went and if he didn’t know anyone he would spark up a conversation with a smile and joke which would lead to a new friendship. He had a great love for children, always finding ways to make them smile and laugh. Jeff loved humor and was always quick to pull a prank or two.
Surviving are his wife Michelle Maki of Baraga; daughters, Samantha (Caleb Risdon) Maki of Grand Ledge, MI, Nicole Maki of Greeley, CO, Jenna (Jeremiah Klug) Maki of L’Anse, his dogs Sadie and Yooper; siblings, Paul (Dawn) Maki of Baraga, Patti Maki of Elk, Washington, Vicki (Paul) Mayfield of Carrollton, Tx, brother-in-law Scott Nicklas of Baraga; father-in-law Michael Mleko of Brunswick, GA, sisters-in-law Tammy (Steve) Sholander of Fort Pierce, FL, Suzie Mleko of FL, Vicky Lynn Mleko of Brunswick, GA and Chrissy (Steve) Demers of Vero Beach, FL; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and many friends near and far!
Preceding him in death are his parents, Paul and Phyllis Maki; sister Lori Nicklas; mother-in-law Victory Mleko; and brother-in-law Michael L Mleko.
Visitation will be on Saturday, January 20th from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Jacobson Funeral Home. The Baraga Fire Dept. will conduct the Fireman’s Farewell at 1:00 p.m. followed by a funeral service with Fr. Jins Joseph officiating. A luncheon will follow at the American Legion Post 144 in L’Anse.
Friends may sign Jeff’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.
