Obituary: Clyde Maki

As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:

On January 1, 2024, Carolyn Marie Maki, passed away at Avow Hospice in Naples, FL and on February 28, 2024, her husband Clyde Ilmar Maki passed away at Hope Hospice, Bonita Springs, FL.  The couple had resided in South Range and wintered in Bonita Springs, FL.  Both Clyde and Carolyn were able to pass with both of their children by their side.

Carolyn was born on August 23, 1936, in Baltic, MI, a daughter of the late Waino and Lydia (Lambert) Laitila. Carolyn was raised in Baltic and was a graduate of the Houghton High School with the class of 1954.

Clyde was born on November 20, 1930, in Atlantic Mine, MI, a son of the late Ilmer and Florence (Nelson) Maki. Clyde was raised in Atlantic Mine and attended the Painesdale/Jeffers Schools.

On June 11,1955, Clyde and Carolyn were united in marriage.The couple had resided in Atlantic Mine where they raised their two children Kathleen and Kevin.

Clyde is a veteran having served in the U.S. Army with the 6 th  Infantry Regiment in Berlin. He was also a prison guard at Spandau Prison. In 1953, he joined the United States Army Reserve. Both Clyde and Carolyn retired from Michigan Tech in 1988. In retirement, they would winter in Bonita Springs, FL, and spend the summers in Atlantic Mine/South Range. Clyde and Carolyn were both very active throughout their lives. They both enjoyed bowling in the League at the Copper Bowl for 10 years where Carolyn was the League Champ for several years with a 200 average. They both were avid golfers. Golfing in the Wyandotte Hills Golf League for 60 years, Clyde was one of the original 5 members in 1963 and played his last round in 2023. Carolyn was the Ladies League champion at the Wyandotte Hills Golf Club for numerous years and played her last round in 2017. They both were original members of the Range Snowmobile Club in Atlantic Mine, acting as president, treasurer, secretary and helped work at the Big Oval Track Races.  While wintering in Florida they both played golf and played softball at the Citrus Park Field of Dreams. Clyde had played and coached for 34 years while Carolyn had played for 25 years. Clyde was also active with the local hockey community in the Copper Country coaching with the Atlantic Mine Rangers, Portage Lake Flyers and Northern Aires. Clyde almost coached with Amo Bessone with Michigan College of Mining but had to move to Detroit for work reasons.

During that time Clyde had coached the Detroit Flying Finns. Once the couple returned to the Copper Country, Clyde also coached in the CCJHA for several years and was proud to have played all of his players evenly and encouraged them to be good sports and be better in all aspects of life while winning 3 championships.

Clyde and Carolyn were avid Detroit sports team fans, deer hunters and fishermen. Clyde taught his grandchildren all his secrets in sports. He always stayed busy with woodworking, fly tying, golf gripper, electrician and carpenter.

Clyde and Carolyn liked to hang out with brothers and sisters and their kids in Twin Lakes and at the deer camp of 60+ years. They showed love to all the family.

Preceding them in death were Clyde’s parents: Ilmer and Florence Maki, Carolyn’s parents:

Waino and Lydia Laitila, as well as other family members, Burton Maki, Duane Maki, Arlen “Sonny” Maki, Delano Harma, Joe Pantano (Nora) and Carl Laitila (Janet)

Surviving are:

Their children: Kathleen Gnau and Kevin ”Ducky” (Julie) Maki

Their Grandchildren: Amanda (Colin) & Kelsey (Curtis), Jeremy & Nicholas

Their Great-grandchildren: Reagan, Maren, Charlotte & Russell

Clyde’s Brothers: Roger (Pam) Maki & Bruce (Sandy) Maki; Clyde’s sisters Barbara

Krumm and Beverly Harma

Their sister-in-law: Sharon Maki

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

A memorial service for Clyde and Carolyn will be held 11:00 am Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Grace Lutheran Church of South Range with Rev. Miach Cavaleri to officiate.  

Friends may call on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 10 am until time of services at Grace Lutheran Church of South Range.

To view Clyde and Carolyn’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Mt View Chapel of South Range has been assisting the family with the arrangements.