Maxine Helen Elizabeth Makela

Maxine Helen Elizabeth (Autio) Makela was born to Walter and Helmi Autio on November 6th, 1926 in Van Buren Township, Floodwood, Minnesota. Maxine died peacefully on September 30, 2012 at Green Pine Acres Nursing home at the age of 85 years, 10 months and 24 days. Maxine was the youngest of 10 children and began milking cows by hand at the age of five. On the farm she raised chickens, barn cats and gardens. Her mother and older sisters taught her how to cook, can foods, clean house and sew. From a very young age she made most of her clothing. Before she was old enough to enroll she attended the Moore School which was right across the road from the farm. The teachers let her sit in on the classroom activities until her mother called her home. Maxine attended Moore School for her elementary years then went to Floodwood High School. She left school after ninth grade to tend and care for her ailing mother. Maxine met her future husband Uno Makela when he came to haul cattle from her parent’s farm. They began courting during the great flood of 1950 in Floodwood, MN and married on September 23rd, 1950 at the Reverend Henry Alajoki home in Wolf Lake, MN. When they married Uno gave Maxine a choice between a new house with all the furniture or a honeymoon. Maxine chose the house. After 25 years of marriage and saving 50 cent pieces and quarters they were finally able to go on their honeymoon with a six week trip to Finland. Uno and Maxine made their home in Floodwood, MN and were blessed with six children. They raised their children in a loving and caring Christian home. They owned their own cattle trucking business which they operated for 44 years. They also had various small business ventures and jobs throughout the years in Floodwood. Maxine was an excellent cook and baker. She always had lots of homemade goodies in the house for her family and company. She was known for her delicious Finnish flat bread and Kala Kukku (fish bread). Maxine also cooked for families who stopped over to eat and rest during travels. Floodwood was considered a halfway point to some of the various church functions in neighboring states. In 1981 they sold their home and moved to Menahga, MN to take a care taking positions at Stony Lake Camp in Park Rapids, MN. After ten years of busyness with camp life they decided to officially retire. Travel, company in her home, children and grandchildren kept Maxine happy and content in life. After Uno's passing in 1998 Maxine continued to make her home in the Menahga, Brainerd and Sebeka area. Maxine was a member of the Laestadian Lutheran Church of Menahga, MN. On August 14th, 2012 Maxine had a massive stroke which left her paralyzed on her left side. Her physical being was impaired from the stroke but her mental and emotional state were still the same. She had a loving and tender heart for everyone in her life and people she met. Maxine is survived by her four sons Clinton (Alice) Makela of Menahga, MN, Lyle (Doris) Makela of St. Francis, MN, Gaylord (Emily) Makela of Wolf Lake, MN, Frank (Barb) Makela of Menahga, MN and two daughters Vergene Makela of Menahga, MN and Doreen (Curt) Savela of Sebeka, MN, 45 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, sister in law Lilly Autio of Floodwood, MN and many nieces and nephews. Maxine was preceded in death by her husband Uno, her parents, five brothers Arthur, Ted, Roy, Melvin, Raymond, four sisters Helia, Evelyn, Violet and Genevieve, granddaughter Sarah Makela, and infant great grandson Patrick Ylioja. Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM on Thursday, October 4th, 2012 with prayer service at 7 PM. at the Menahga Laestadian Lutheran Church in Menahga, MN. Visitation will continue one hour prior to service at the church. Funeral Services will be held at 11: 00 AM on Friday October 5th, 2012 at the Menahga Laestadian Lutheran Church with Ron Honga officiating. Martha Huhta will serve as organist. Pallbearers will be Andrew Makela, Michael Makela, Jason Makela, Adam Hendrickson, Zachary Makela and Levi Savela. Interment will be at Mantyla Cemetery.