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As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:
Paul J. Makela, 83, a resident of Chassell passed away September 8, 2024, at UP Health Systems – Marquette Hospital following a short illness.
He was born on January 20, 1941, in Chassell, MI, a son of the late John and Kate (Jaaskari) Makela. Paul was raised in Chassell and graduated from Chassell High School in the class of 1958. During High School, Paul was very proud to have been a member of the State Championship Basketball teams that had won 65 straight games.
Mr. Makela was a veteran having served with the United States Navy.
On April 25, 1959, he was united in marriage to the former Diane Jaakkola. Following his time in the service, the couple moved to make their home in Oakland, CA. During that time, Paul began a career in the trades working as a union carpenter. He then moved into working as a Union official for Union Local #36 and Union Local #713 until his retirement.
The couple enjoyed summering in Chassell and wintered in California and for the past 10 years have made Chassell their full-time home.
Locally, Mr. Makela was a Holy Trinity Lutheran Church member in Chassell, Post #6507 VFW of Chassell and the Chassell Lion’s Club. He was also a proud member of F.& A.M. Lodge. In California, Paul was a proud member of the Carpenters Union, Masons of California, and a founding member of F.A.H.A., Finnish American Homeowners Association, Sonoma, California. He enjoyed tinkering on various projects, reading, studying Finnish history and visiting with all while working his AMSOIL business.
Preceding him in death were his parents, his brother, Elmer Makela, and his sisters: Lina Hogback, Miriam Makela, and Erma Burkman
Surviving family members: His wife: Diane Makela, His children: Darrel Makela, Craig (Cheryl) Makela, and Duane Makela; 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; His niece: Susan Wiles; His nephew: Kenneth Burkman; Several cousins in Finland.
A Celebration of Paul’s life will be held in the summer of 2025.
To view Paul’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service Chassell Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
