Elmer L. Maki

Elmer L. Maki, age 84, of Ionia, passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2020. Elmer was born on June 20, 1935 to the family of Einaar and Freida Maki at their home in Hancock, Michigan. He was third youngest of four boys and four girls born to this family of Finnish descent. Elmer graduated from Hancock High School in 1954 and joined the U.S. Navy, after his discharge when he returned back to Hancock and met the love of his life, Mildred. Elmer worked a variety of jobs including a park ranger, a hotel desk clerk, and a kitchen worker at the TB sanitarium in Hancock. In 1969, in search of better employment opportunities, they moved the family to Ionia. Elmer eventually retired from the Ionia Post Office. He loved his family, enjoyed traveling with his wife, Mildred, fiishing, and watching sports. He was preceded in death by his brother and several sisters. Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Mildred; son, Thomas Maki of Indianapolis, IN; daughter, Susan Maki of Lansing; grandchildren, Rochelle (fiancé, Tanner) Hufford of Columbus, OH and Lucas Hufford of Bowling Green, OH; and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff at SKLD of Ionia for the care and compassion shown to Elmer and his family during his stay. A private family traditional burial service will be conducted by Pastor Kenneth Harger at Sunset Memorial Gardens. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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