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Memorial Keepers (1)
Atkins-Northland Funeral Home
William "Billy" Maki
June 26th, 1952 - March 14th, 2025
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William "Billy" Edward Maki
Age 72, of Esko, MN
Born June 25, 1952 – Passed away unexpectedly at home on March 14, 2025
William Edward Maki, known as Billy or Bill to those who loved him, was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was the proud father of six beautiful daughters with Debbie, the love of his life, and the proud grandfather to 26 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, with another on the way. His family was his world.
Bill spent much of his career as a cement mason at Potlatch, where he was known for his hard work and dedication. He cherished the outdoors, enjoying activities such as hunting, fishing, golfing, and giving ATV rides to family and friends through the woods. He was an avid bowler and a die-hard fan of the Vikings and the "Twinkies." Bill enjoyed listening to sports on the radio, especially when his grandchildren were involved. He always looked forward to gathering in the screen tent or kitchen table with friends and family, whether it was playing cribbage, chess, cards, or dice and he never hesitated to gloat his victories.
A proud Finnish man, Bill loved taking sauna and cherished his heritage. He also enjoyed his pets, who brought him much joy. Visitors were always welcomed, no matter the time of day, and he had a unique way of making everyone feel special. His sense of humor, love of singing, and the comfort of his "whisker rubs" will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Hilda (Ketola) Maki, and his niece, Lisa.
He is survived by his sisters Karen Stark (Doug), Alice (Dan) Anderson, and Irene Hendrickson (Dan), as well as his six daughters: Stephanie Nynas, Jennifer Maki, Amanda (Jeremy) Nelson, Rebecca (Timmy) Housley, Valerie Maki (Donny), and Emily Maki. He also leaves behind 26 grandchildren: Osten, Jacob (Kirsten), Tyler, Kaitlyn, Willa, Kenny, Lexi (Alex), Aiden, Araya, Derek (Noel), Allen (Gillian), Nathan, Gracie (Anna), Danielle, Kristen, Caleb, Chloe, Eli, Gabrielle, Lucas, Sofia, Evelyn, Jasmine, Simon, Quinten, Jocelyn; and his great-grandson, Ryker. Bill is also survived by his close cousin, Peggy, his good friends Bill, Jack, Les and Brian, and many other extended family and friends.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, April 1st from 5-7pm at Atkins Funeral Home 801 14th St. Cloquet, MN 55720
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Atkins-Northland Funeral Home
Atkins-Northland Funeral Home has been proudly serving the families of Carlton and South St. Louis counties for nearly 100 years. Originally founded in 1936 as the Northland Cooperative Burial Association, it was part of Cloquet’s cooperative spirit, created by a group of 21 local funeral providers. Over the years, the funeral home underwent various changes in ownership and location, becoming Northland Funeral Home, Inc. in 1984....
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