Robert Maki

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died May 3, 2013

Gladstone, MI
Robert “Bob” Maki, age 66, of Gladstone passed away on Friday, May 3, 2013 at his home with his family by his side, shortly after being the Best Man at a bedside ceremony for his son’s wedding.

Bob was born March 29, 1947 in Escanaba. He was the first born of four children to Leslie and Grace Maki. He grew up in Rock and graduated from Rock High School in 1965. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1966, serving for four years in Turkey and the Phillipines. He was honorably discharged in 1970. In 1972 he went to work for the United States Post Office in Gladstone where he worked until his retirement in 2002. He was united in marriage to Mary Roberts on January 6, 1973 at the St. Charles Catholic Church in Rapid River. They enjoyed 40 joyful years together.

Bob wore many hats in his lifetime. He was a basketball official for 43 years for many of the local schools as well as the Special Olympics. He played on various softball teams, even playing last fall and bowled in various leagues for 40 years. He was a member and past Commander of the Rock American Legion Post 559. He also worked various side jobs following his retirment. He especially enjoyed going to camp and hunting with the guys.

Bob is survived by his wife, Mary; two daughters, Rhonda (Jamie) Lyle of Dowagiac, MI and Laura (Gary) Dahn of Wells; one son, Darrell (Michelle) Maki of Gladstone; five grandchildren, Matthew, Andrew and Justin Lyle and Corey and Morgan Dahn; two brothers, Jerry (Sharon) Maki of Rock and Curtis (Wanda) Maki of Bisbee, Arizona; one sister, Janice (James) Sczytko of Garden City, MI, many sister and brother-in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Les and Grace and mother and father-in-law, Cloie and Floyd Roberts.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 8 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Memorial services will be on Thursday, May 9 at 11:00 AM at the Faith Lutheran Church in Rock with Pastor Kris Ertl officiating. A luncheon will be served following the services in the church fellowship hall. Committal services and Military Rites presented by the Rock American Legion Post 559 will follow the luncheon in the Rock Cemetery.

34 Tributes for “Robert Maki”

    Bob was one of those guys that you just enjoyed being around and talking with. His life touched mine in different ways, as my mail carrier, my grass cutter, and from the time my family and I spent in the campground where he worked. He was a good man. I will always remember him as that – a good man. I am sorry that Mary and their children will no longer have Bob around except in their memories. Guess that is a lot though. Stay strong.

    I’m so devastated to hear about the loss of such a wonderful man, father, husband, and friend. Bob’s daughter, Rhonda, was my childhood best friend, so I fortunate enough to spend a lot of time with Bob and his wonderful family. I can honestly say that I have nothing but absolutely wonderful, happy memories of him. Mary, Rhonda, Laura, and Darrell please accept my condolences and although I can’t be there on Wednesday, please know that you’re in my thoughts and heart.

    In Sympathy
    “His promise is the light by which we see our loved ones safely home.”

    May the love of God give you peace,
    May the love of friends give you comfort,
    May the love of your dear one remain in your heart and give you strength through the days ahead.

    Robert was a wonderful person and friend. I especially remember his positive and upbeat attitude. He always had a smile and kind word for everyone. I am so glad that I attended our last few school reunions and was able to visit with him. I feel blessed to have known him.

    Jerry, Sharon and family: Nothing can be said to ease the pain of losing someone. But, it hasn’t been easy and now the pain and discomfort are gone for Bob. It sounded like he kept his humor and spirits up til the end. Prayers and thoughts are with you all.

    Dear Maki Family,
    I hold nothing but fond childhood memories of Bob; always so kind, cheerful and smiling. You all were such great friends and neighbors on Delta Avenue. I know your loss is immense and my thoughts are with the entire Maki family. My parents will be sure to send Erik’s and my condolences on Wednesday.

    I served with Bob at the 6922nd Security Wing, Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines. He was a kind and gentle man with never a bad thing to say about anyone. God rest your soul my Kuya. Peace.

    I served with Bob at the 6922nd Security Wing, Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines. He was a kind and gentle man with never a bad thing to say about anyone. God rest your soul my Kuya. Peace.

    I served with Bob at the 6922nd Security Wing, Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines. He was a kind and gentle man with never a bad thing to say about anyone. God rest your soul my Kuya. Peace.

    I enjoyed my friendship with Bob from the Nort Rock hunting camp area. Bob was a happy go lucky guy who always had a smile on his face and a good word or jab to give out. He was a good family man and I could see his family was a big part of his life. He will be missed, but I am sure his presence will be close by. My prayers go out to the family. Glory be to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit now and ever shall be world without end, Amen.

    Bob was one of the best. I worked with him for over 15 years. He was always a positive and good guy to be around, quick with a smile and a willing hand. To us who knew him from the Post Office, Bob was our IronMan. Bob, I’m going to miss you, you were my friend. We know your family is sad to lose you, but we also know that you will be welcomed in Heaven. God Bless and rest you.

    Dear Laura, Gary and Family,Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. We didn’t know your Dad but we understand the heartbreak of loosing parents and those we love. Please accept our deepest sympathy.

    Aunt Mary & family,So sorry for the loss of Uncle Bob. We wish we could be there for you during this difficult time but we are sending our love and sympathy.

    Mary & Family…So very sad to hear of Bob’s passing. Such a wonderful man, and father…and to read all of his accomplishments of his blessed life makes my memories of him Even more special. I shared with Rhonda that growing up he was our mailman for well over 19 years…and I always had a chance to talk with him and he always stayed to chat. What a wonderful man. May his blessings of love and warmth forever shine down on all that loved him. My Sincere Condolences, Ginger Bayne.

    My prayers are with you Darrell & your family. I’m sure going to miss your dad. He was always a good man to be around. I also am going to miss playing softball with him. I will talk to you soon, Darrell.

    My deepest sympathies to everyone in the family.. Uncle Bob was a great man, and will truly be missed, but will always live on in our memories.”Death is not extinguishing the light, it is merely putting out the lamp because dawn has come.”
    My thoughts and love are with all of you,
    Love, Jamee

    To The Maki Family,I had the opportunity to meet Bob at the Onocology Dept. at MGH this winter. We knew some of the same people in Rock and we shared wildlife stories.
    I really enjoyed talking to Bob and Mary and could tell that they were really nice people. I was sad to hear of his passing. My condolences to the family.

    Laura, Gary, and family,My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sorry for your loss. Focus on the good times together and be strong. Looking forward to seeing you this summer.

    I will never be able to express in words my love for my Kuya (Brother) Bob Maki. We both were in the US Air Force Security Service together working as a couple of teenage “Spooks” while stationed on Karamursel Air Station in Turkey and later on Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines. Bob was not only one of my closest friends in the Air Force but also my Best Man when I was married. I have great memories of those times in the Air Force and our times together later in Rock and at Reunions of the 6922nd Kuyas. Bob was one of those guys that every body liked and nobody ever said a bad word about. I always told him he was the most easy going guy I ever met. When I later met his family and friends in Rock, I understood him better – as he had some great roots. Mary and family, please accept my Condolences. God Bless you “Maki”. Together Then -Together Now – Together Always. Bob “Hippo” Buhr

    Good Morning,
    I had the pleasure of working beside my buddy Bob in Karamursel, Turkey. He had a very important job listening to targets that produced intel that went to the highest levels of the USG. Bob was competent in the USAFSS and I’m quite sure that professionalism was illustrated in his USPS career.

    I’ve been told you never get over losing a love one, you just get through it.

    Bob is in heaven looking down on us drinking a beer with his good buddy Quate, who passed away
    a few years ago.

    My wife and I will pray for Bob and his family.

    Sincerely, Buzz & Lori

    The Maki and Trombly Families grew up together. Losing one of us hurts so bad. Jan, Jerry and Curtis – much love and prayers. Memories will keep Robert alive in our hearts.

    Mary & family,We have you in our prayers and want to let you know we are thinking about you. Bob was a good man and I enjoyed serving our country with him in Turkey & the Philippines. May God hold him in the palm of his hand. Gil

    Sending all my love and deepest sympathies to you all in the difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Stay strong Aunt Mary, I love you dearly! Uncle Bob was truly a wonderful person and will be missed by many.

    Mary and family…I’m so sorry for your loss. Bob was a good man who always had a smile on his face and you could tell how much he loved his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Take care of yourselves.

    I had the extreme honor of working with Bob in the Phillippines as a new guy, referred to as a Jeep (just entering educational process). He was a person you could learn a lot from by watching and listening. While I live in Boston area today, I grew up in Rochester, yes, a troll…. You will be missed and remembered by all the Kuya’s. Goldy

    Robert was a man who truly made a difference with his “life skills”. Randy remembers fondly all the times Robert was over at the Carlson house, being with his older brother Jeff and just hanging with the family. The Maki’s and The Carlson’s in Rock. Thank you Robert, for your service to your country and community and we also hope that Mary and family, find comfort in the days ahead, by all the beautiful words and thoughts spoken to you, of Robert.

    To all of the Maki/Dahn/Lyle families, and all the Maki siblings and their families – Our heart is breaking for all of you. Bob was truly one of a kind!A genuine, kind man who was loved by all that knew him. We are proud and honored to call him our brother-in-law. He will truly missed by everyone! Rely on your wonderful memories and each other as the hard days go on, God’s peace be with all of you.

    One of my fondest memories of my cousin Bob goes back to his Air Force service days. Bob was stationed in Turkey. During one of his home leaves, he came up to visit us in Gwinn. Bob was so glad to see us that he spent the whole day! In more recent years I enjoyed visiting Bob at the Gladstone campground. My sincere condolences to the family.

    Dear Cousins, I’m so sad to hear of Bob’s passing…I’m so blessed to have seen him a short time ago. I haven’t met a man as kind or dear…he will be truly missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love you all!

Post a Tribute

Your email address will not be published. Tributes are moderated before posted. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.