Ishpeming – On Tuesday November 24, 2015 at 11:30pm, LeRoy Emmanuel Maki, of 340 Carp St. Ishpeming, age 77, left his earthly home to join his parents Toivo & Viola Maki, his sisters Lorraine Duncan and Margaret Maki, brother Robert Maki, sisters-in-law Ruth and Melba Maki and brother-in-law Robert Duncan.

It is unclear what day he was actually born due to a mix up on the hospital certificate and official birth certificate, so he always said his birthday was August 22 & 23, 1938. LeRoy attended the Ishpeming Schools prior to entering the United States Navy, with whom he served from 1955 – 1967. During his time in the Navy he married Faye A. Whitlock on April 7, 1962 in Ishpeming. Following his honorable discharge, LeRoy returned to Ishpeming and having travel the world at least 7 times in his Navy days he stayed firmly rooted in Marquette Co. no longer wanting to travel to any destination. He began his career with the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. in 1967 and worked mainly at the Republic Mine until its closure when he was transferred to the Empire Mine. He retired in June of 1997 after 30 years with the company.

LeRoy was a down to earth man. He loved life and would offer assistance to anyone in need. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed his McDonald's Coffee meetings. He loved his Green Bay Packers, and U of M Wolverines. LeRoy loved his sports and had been a player/coach of the Bethel Lutheran Church softball team, coached in the Womens Softball League, bowled in a number of mixed doubles leagues and enjoyed playing in the Ishpeming Cribbage League with his brother Michael as his partner.

LeRoy is survived by his wife and best friend of 53 years, Faye Maki of Ishpeming, three daughters – Susan (Larry) McCarthy of Gwinn, MI, Wanda (John G.) Meier III of Manassa, VA and Rebecca (Eric) Douglass of Palm Harbor, FL; 4 grandchildren – his best buddy and football partner Casey LeRoy Douglass, along with Joshua Douglass, Erica Douglass and Elizabeth McCarthy, three great grandchildren – Tinsley, Aurora and Beau Douglass. He also leaves behind his brother Raymond Maki of Bergland and Michael Maki of Ishpeming, sister-in-law Jane Maki of Ishpeming, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and his oldest and dearest friend Joseph Petry.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 1 – 2pm on Saturday November 28, 2015 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. A memorial service will follow at 2:00pm on Saturday at the Bethel Lutheran Church with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate. Military Honors will be accorded at the conclusion of the services by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #380. A luncheon will follow in the church hall.

LeRoy's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

LeRoy's funeral service recording may be found here