As received from the Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Wesley Makela, 82, a resident of Dodgeville, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Canal View — Houghton County, where he had been a patient for the past month.
He was born on April 19, 1943, in Liminga, MI, a son of the late John and Edna (Luoma) Makela. He was raised in Beacon Hill and Hancock and attended the Hancock Schools, and had attended trade school to become a carpenter.
Mr. Makela was a veteran having served with the United States Army.
On June 5, 1971, he was united in marriage to the former Carole Uitto and the couple resided in Dodgeville. On August 30, 2020, Carole preceded Wes in death.
Wes had worked as a carpenter for the White Pine Mine and then for various contractors in the area until his retirement.
Wes was a soft spoken man who had a soft spot for all of his grandchildren. He was the “Baby Whisperer” as all the babies loved to fall asleep on Grandpa Makela. He was an avid Detroit Lions, Red Wings and Tigers fan. He loved to watch John Wayne movies, Gunsmoke, Andy Griffith, Matlock, and Golden Girls reruns. He was a hard-working guy and loved to tinker in the garage on small engines and different projects. He was know for making the best size 10 pasties and Povatica.
Preceding him in death were his wife: Carole, his parents, his brothers Willie and John; his sisters Helen, Eleanor and Maila and his stepdaughter Marilee.
Surviving are:
His sons: Craig (Melissa) Makela
Ryan Makela
His grandchildren: Dane Wesley, McKenna, Kayla, and Breanna
The granddaughter that he raised Tasha (Joe) Paavola and their children Jeremiah and Rhianne
His forever daughter-in-law: Carmen St. Peter
His step-son: Mark Kolehmainen
His brother: Ernie (Gloria) Luttinen
Several Nieces, nephews and cousins
A time to remember Wesley will be held Friday August 1, 2025, from 11 am to 1 pm with Military Honors conducted by the Copper Coontry Veterans at 1:00 pm at the Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel. Burial will be in the Liminga Cemetery at a later date.
To view Wesley’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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