Ray A. Makie

Ray was born Aug. 7, 1921, in Gladstone, the son of Matt and Elizabeth (Sutki) Makie. He was raised in Gladstone before serving his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Upon his honorable discharge, Ray returned to Illinois where he met and later married the former Audrey Stanlake in Bessemer, Mich., on Aug. 18, 1950. Ray and Audrey made their home in Gladstone where they raised their children.

Ray worked for Harnischfeger Corporation until his retirement when Harnischfeger closed. He continued for many years upholstering and refinishing furniture out of his garage in Gladstone. Ray loved spending time with his family, dancing and listening to music.

In addition to his wife of 68 years, Audrey, survivors include: daughter, Lynne (Rudy) Majestic of Gladstone; daughter-in-law, Diane Makie of Sturgeon Bay, Wis.; brother, Lawrence “Howard” Maki of Escanaba, Mich.; sister, Elvera Kallio of Grand Haven, Mich.

Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

In addition to his parents, his son Jeff on Jan. 5, 2018, brothers, Donald, William, Toivo, Robert, Lenard, sisters, Hilda Maki, Marie Haga, Ila Erhenberg, Lillian Carlson, Sadie Artley, Sami Nelson and Ida Creten preceded Ray in death.

Military rites at the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone will be held in the spring of 2019 by the Gladstone American Legion Post 71. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Makie family. Please visit skradskifuneralhomes.com where you can express your sympathy to the family.