Franklin Maki

Franklin Alfred Maki, age 94, of Columbus, MN for over 50 years, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2020.  He was born December 24, 1925 in Kettle River MN.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army.  He served as part of the 119th evacuation hospital in France, Holland, Belgium and Germany during WWII.  He had BA degrees in agriculture and teaching and an MA in educational psychology. He taught in Aitkin, Cromwell, Kalevala, Floodwood and was a guidance counselor at UMD, Clark College, Gilbert and Forest Lake.

Franklin had a passion for sports and helping others. He played and coached football, basketball and baseball and bowled with the Knights of Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Nora (Sangola) Maki; siblings, May (Fred) Aho, Ruth (Clarence Jr.) Smith, Harold and Edwin (Diane) Maki; daughter-in-law, Nancy Maki.

He is survived by his wife; Ellen (Heikkila) Maki, their children:  Darrel (Luisa DelCaro), Duane (Jane), Sue (Darryl) Frieburg, Gary, Janet (Jon Perry) and Dean (Jody); 17 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren all of whom were his pride and joy; sisters, Agnes (Fred deceased) Town and Norma (Don) Haro.

Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, MN 55025.  Visitation will begin at noon until time of service.  Private Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.