Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Brian Makela Obituary
Brian Keith Makela
Brian Keith Makela, age 57, of rural Eveleth, passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, Minn., after a hard fought battle with cancer with family by his side.
He was born on April 3, 1967, in Virginia, Minn., to Donald and Jane Makela. Brian graduated from Virginia High School in 1985, and the University of Minnesota in 1990.
After receiving a degree in psychology he was employed by Range Mental Health Center for a few years, followed by a 25 year employment with Range Transitional Housing in Virginia.
Brian had many interests including music, fishing, hunting, spending time at "the shack" or in his "dog house", but his favorite activities were focused on spending quality time with his family and many friends.
He is survived by his mother, Jane; and stepfather, Geno Halberg; his daughters, Amanda and Danielle; stepchildren: Tiffany, Brittany, Hunter, Hannah, and Harrison; former wives, Rhonda and Michelle; several grandchildren; stepbrother, Johnny Bulver; stepsister, Kaylene Halberg; and a host of aunts; uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Makela; and his brother, Troy Makela.
A memorial service for Brian will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Virginia, Minn., at 11:00 a.m. with visitation being held at 10:00 a.m.
Arrangements are with the Range Funeral Home in Virginia. To send condolences or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.rangefuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Brian Makela
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Brian Makela's name
Memorial Events
for Brian Makela
Funeral services provided by:
Range Funeral Home - Virginia911 16th St. North P.O. Box 4, Virginia, MN 55792
How to support Brian's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Brian Makela's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
