As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:
Bertha C. Maki, 94, a resident of the Hancock Canal passed away Thursday January 2, 2025, at the Omega House in Houghton.
She was born on August 12, 1930, in Chassell, a daughter of the late Matt and Aliina (Laulumaa) Aho. Bertha was raised in Chassell and was a graduate of the Chassell High School with the class of 1948.
On September 30, 1950, she was united in marriage to Rudolph Maki. The couple resided on the Hancock Canal where they raised their family. Rudolph preceded Bertha in death on November 22, 2005.
Mrs. Maki had worked as a custodian for the Hancock Public School’s for 20 years. She was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock where she had been active with the quilters of the church. She was also a life member of Chassell VFW Post #6507 Auxiliary, Portage Health Auxiliary and a former member of the former Hancock Eagles. Bertha enjoyed visiting with family and friends, knitting and cross-country skiing in the winters. Bertha was always proud of her Finnish heritage and was active with the local Suomi Kerho, and until recently with the Finnish theme committee. Bertha also enjoyed knitting, making mittens for family, friends, and area organizations. She also made hats for newborn babies and toe warmers for patients of UP Health System-Portage.
Preceding her in death were her husband Rudolph, her son-in-law Jack Goddard and 11 brothers and sisters.
Surviving are:
Her children:
Charles Maki of Hancock
Judith Goddard of Trotwood, OH
Julianne (John) Haischer of Hancock
Donald (Amy) Maki of Hancock
Joyce (Treacy) Duerfeldt of Olympia, WA
Her grandchildren:
Gary Slater, Ryan Maki, Andrew Duerfeldt and Kyle Maki
Funeral Services for Bertha will be held 2:30 pm Saturday January 11, 2025, at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock with Rev. Brahm Semmler-Smith to officiate. Spring burial will be in the Lakeside Cemetery of Hancock.
Visitation will be Saturday January 11, 2025, from 1:00 pm until time of services at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock.
Memorials may be made to the Omega House or Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.
To view Bertha’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
