George E. Maki, age 80 passed away July 9, 2022, in Fallon, NV with his family by his side. He was born March 8, 1942, to George & Elsie (Osborne) Maki in Cloquet MN. He was known by family and friends as “Punky.” His first job was as an orderly at Cloquet Memorial Hospital during high school. He graduated from Cloquet HS in 1960. He joined the US Navy in October 1960 and sailed the world on the U.S.S. Bigelow (Destroyer - IC3 Electrician). He returned to Cloquet in 1966 after serving 5 years in the USN. In 1970 he was blessed with the birth of his daughter Kelley Marie Maki. In the early 70s, he moved to CA and eventually settled in Grass Valley. In California, he had the opportunity and honor to raise a young boy who became an amazing man, whom he called his son…Michael Jewell. He proudly built his home from the ground up until he sold it and decided to travel in his Airstream in 2003.
Through the years George maintained his CDL and drove trucks for various companies (such as Allied Van Lines/LaBelle, Thrifty, Norco Paint, and Mountain Peoples). He also went back to his electrical trade earned in the Navy by working at Bohemia Inc as a sawmill electrician and obtained his California electrical contractor’s license. He owned and operated Maki Electric. Often, he would drive truck and work electrical jobs in his off time. His last electrical contract was a new home electrical contract on Lake Almanor in Chester, CA.
In 2005, he retired and moved to Nevada where he loved the weather and solitude. George was a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of Fallon VFW Post #1002 Lawton-Silva and served as a Post Trustee for five years. He was also a member of the Fallon American Legion Post #16. He grew up with humble beginnings, said his dad was his hero, and always took pride in having “SISU” / his Finnish heritage. In retirement, he enjoyed his solitude, watching old westerns, Fox News, cooking (his famous chili, grilling, and making mojakka). He enjoyed following politics, considered it a privilege to vote, and was patriotic.
George was proceeded in death by his parents, a twin brother at birth, sister Dorothy Salmi, brother-in-law Robert Salmi, son Michael Jewell and his beloved dog “Penny.” He is survived by his daughter Kelley and son-in-law Douglas McAulay of Fallon, daughter-in-law Robinette Jewell, granddaughters Amber (Jerry) Tittle & Marissa Jewell all of Grass Valley, CA, niece Virginia Cran of Duluth, MN, nephew Bob Salmi of Minnetonka, MN, cousin Roberta Erickson of Fergus Falls, MN.
We would like to extend special thanks to all the Banner Hospital Staff who cared not only for George but for Kelley as well during his stay which was almost eight weeks. There will never be enough words to thank all of you for your kindness, love, laughter, hugs, tears, and support during this time. You all were simply amazing and will never be forgotten. Kelley could not have made it through this without any of you.
In lieu of flowers, memorials will go towards the VA Guest House in Reno, CAPS (our local animal shelter), or feel free to make a donation in his honor to your local animal shelter or organization that helps veterans.
A military honors service will be held on Friday, July 15, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley.
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