Jean V. Maki

Jean V. Maki, 80, of Ironwood, MI, died Friday, August 4, 2023, after a brief illness at Aurora Medical Center in Oshkosh, WI. She was born on May 10, 1943, the daughter of Michael and Justine (Kovales) Kurta. Jean graduated from Hurley High School with the class of 1961. She worked at Lahti Chevrolet in Ironwood, MI, where she met her husband. On March 21, 1964, she was united in marriage with Marvin Maki at Wesley United Methodist Church in Ironwood. Soon after, they moved to Waukegan, IL, where they settled and started their family.

While raising her two children, Jean had various jobs which included a home childcare service and a nurse’s aide. As the children got older, she was employed by Reed Randle Ford in Waukegan and later with Builders Square.

Jean loved life! She enjoyed all the wildlife out her backdoor and made sure all the birds and visitors were well fed and taken care of. She loved the flowers and changes in the seasons, but not so much the UP winters.

She is survived by a son, Dale L. Maki of Waukegan, IL; a daughter, Brenda (David) Vandehey of Fond du Lac, WI; her beloved dogs, Peggy Sue and Lady Marvena; grand dogs, Lexi and Brutus; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Justine; her husband, Marvin; two sisters, Dorothy and Marion; and three brothers, Barney, Butch, and Mike.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date