Don Maki

Don Maki, 73, passed away August 17, 2005 at Encore Alzheimer's Senior Village in Riverside, California. Don was born in Palmer, Michigan on February 7, 1932. Don married his childhood sweetheart in Palmer, Michigan. There he served nine years in the National Guard. In 1958, Don moved his family to California and resided in Ontario for over 30 years. He worked at the Sunkist plant in Ontario for Brown Intermati onal Citrus Machinery INc. until 1994. Don and his wife Julia retired to Pahrump, Nevada where they resided for the last 11 years. They triumphed their life tigether wuth their strong love for each other, their family, friends, faith and their country. Don was a lifetime member of the Lutheran Church. Don was devoted to his wife of 54 years, Julia, his children, Jeanette Laporte and son-in-law, Rene of Chino; David Maki and daughter-in-law, Cathi of Ontario; and Daniel Maki of Pinon Hills. He was the prou d and loving Grandpa to Raymond Laporte, Joyce Williams, Denise Lindsay, Bryan Jurgensen, Collette Robles, Mandi Milius, Jileen Maki, Allison Maki, Breann Maki and Jessica Maki. Don found the "greatest joy" in being "Great-Papa" to Raven Lindsay, Brayden Milius, Landon Milius, Michael Robles, Brooke Williams and Gabriel Williams. He is also survived by his sister, Julie Thornsberry, brother, Douglas Maki, both of Arizona; his Uncle Toivo Maki of Nevada and his sister-in-law, Anne Maki of Michigan. Don was easy going, friendly and loved life. He would help anybody, anytime and would make friends every place hie went. He could light a room with his smile and his quick laugh. Don's "loving spirit" and "sense of humor" will truly be missed. A visitation will be held at Draper Mortuary in Ontario, Monday, August 22, 2005 from 4 to 8 p.m. A celebration of his life will be at the First Lutheran Church in Ontario on Tuesday, August 23, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the memory of Don Maki to Vitas Innovative HOspice Care, 1845 Business Center DR., Ste. 120, San Bernardino, CA 92408 (909) 386-6000. Draper Mortuary is entrusted with arrangements.