Rodney Maki

A celebration of life for Rodney “Rod” Alan Maki, 69, of Embarrass will be 11 am Saturday, April 13, 2019 at the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora. A visitation will be held from 5-7 pm Friday at the funeral home and will continue one hour prior to the service.  Military honor will be accorded by the Aurora-Hoyt Lakes Color Guard.  Interment will be in the Embarrass Cemetery. Rodney died Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at his home surrounded by family. Rod was born on April 8, 1949 to Elias and Ailie (Maki) Maki in Biwabik. Rod grew up in Makinen and attended school in Aurora, graduating from the Aurora-Hoyt Lakes High School, Class of 1967.  Rod enlisted in to the US Army in 1969 until his honorable discharge in 1975.   Rod was united in marriage to Sarah Marie Lerfald on November 29, 1980 at the Sand Lake Chapel in Britt.  Rod was employed by Erie/LTV Steel for thirty years until it closed.  He then worked at Hibbing Taconite until his retirement.  Rod enjoyed golfing, bowling, fishing, and hunting.  He was an avid sports fan, supporting all Minnesota teams!  Rod took the greatest pleasure in spending time with his family and friends.  His grandchildren adored their “Grandpa Doodle”. Survivors include his wife of 38 years: Sarah Marie; three daughters: Angie (Jeff) Miller, Stacy (Troy) Davidson, and Sherry (Jerry) Maki; eleven grandchildren: Travis Erickson, Shauna Sampson, Chayce Sampson, Eric Erickson, McKenzie Sampson, Ethan Erickson, Dylan Maki, Cole Maki, Blayze Davidson, Kaiden Maki, and Ava Redetzke; four great-grandchildren: Ryan, Keagan, Kael, and Landyn; a sister: Doris (Roger) Moberg; four brothers: Rico (Hazel), Glenn (Doreen), Kenneth, and David (Veronica) Maki; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Teresa Erickson; a brother, Loren Maki; son-in-law: Glenn Erickson; and his parents.