Ishpeming – Jason B. Makela, age 40 of 1904½ Washington Ave. Ishpeming passed away on Monday November 3, 2014 at UP Health System – Marquette, where he had been a patient since Thursday Oct. 30, 2014 due to a ruptured brain aneurysm.

Jason was born September 15, 1974 the son of Sharon (Pirttinen) Anderson, of whom he had a special relationship with and was very protective of and the late Marvin Makela. He attended the Ishpeming Public Schools and was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, Class of 1994. During his school days he taught himself to play the guitar. He was a lifelong Ishpeming resident and had worked for the past five years as a HVAC installer for Central Heating & Cooling in Ishpeming. Jason was content to be at home with the love of his life Katie Olds along with his ever present Chihuahua Babyhead. He always enjoyed a good joke or prank that he could play on Katie. Jason loved to work out at the Strength and Fitness in Ishpeming. He will be remembered for his kindheartedness, always willing to help anyone in need.

Survivors include his mother Sharon (Gary) Anderson of Ishpeming, his fiancee Katie Olds of Ishpeming, 2 brothers – Kevin (Patty) Hooper and Darin (Jamie) Hooper both of Ishpeming, 2 sisters – Dawn (David) Rentmeester of DePere, WI and Tammy (Mike) Laurila of Negaunee, 2 step brothers- Doug (Bobbi Jo) Anderson, Tom (Chelsea) Anderson, 2 step sisters- Justina (Dave) Helsten and Lynn (John) Olson, nieces and nephews – Kory, Steve, Kyle, Kailey, Sophie & Isaac Hooper, Hannah & Jack Laurila and Mya & Will Rentmeester, along with Katie's family, including his mother-in-law and father-in-law Ann & Ray Olds sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law – Sara & Gabe Ryan and Russell & Katie Olds along with nieces and nephews on the Olds side including Lily, Emma and Sam Ryan. Jason is also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Marvin Makela and his paternal grandparents Irving and Lorraine Makela and his maternal grandparents Leo & Elma Pirttinen.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 12:00noon until 3:00pm on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming. A memorial service will follow at 3:00pm on Saturday at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with the Rev. Micah Hjermstad to officiate. All are invited to the Hope Free Lutheran Church following the service for a time of fellowship and where a meal will be served.

Jason felt strongly about being an organ donor. When he was 18 years old he received the gift of two cornea transplants and was also hoping to receive the gift of a kidney. Although that did not happen, he has now become the donor of the gift of life. It is through this that part of Jason lives on and his positive spirit continues to be a blessing on others.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .