Clarence “Sooks” E. Maki

Clarence E. “Sooks” Maki passed away peacefully on March 16, 2024, at the age of 85. Beloved husband to Alice of 62 years. Loving, generous, and admired father of Melissa (Neil) Roche, Mark (Anne) Maki, and Michael Maki. Cherished grandpa to Alicia (Ian) Macleod, Alex (Sondra) Mueller, Abigail (Kyle) Umstatter, Jordyn Maki, Paige (Devin) Kropelin, Margaret Maki, John Maki, Tyler Maki, Jack Roche, and Texas Maki. Precious great grandpa to Mackenzie, Harper, Caden, Derek, Colton, Lucy, Kristin, and Callen. Preceded in death his parents Mary Maki and Toivo Maki plus many beloved family members and friends.

He was born Ironwood, Michigan, to Mary and Toivo Maki on July 27, 1938. He grew up in Ironwood, Michigan with his brother Ray and sisters Marilyn, Ginger, Gloria, and Judy. He went to Luther L. Wright High School and graduated with the class of 1957. During his high school years, he was an avid athlete and captain of the football team where he developed lifelong friendships. Although he was a smaller lineman, he proved size meant nothing by being rewarded as the most valuable player on his team in 1956. He also was a successful ski jump flyer and baseball player. At the age of 16 he met the love of his life Alice Ann on the teenage dance floor. The two loved dancing together from the beginning of the relationship to the end. He attended Spenserian College in Milwaukee, WI where he studied business management and obtained his degree. In 1961 Clarence took Alice to be his forever wife. He then served two years in the United States Army stationed in Germany.

Following his military time the two settled into Menomonee Falls and he started his career in the automobile business. “Thisisit” was the family cottage on Cisco Lake in Watersmeet, MI where he spent lots of time with family and friends boating, waterskiing, snowmobiling. Despite spending much time on the lake, he was not a fisherman. He loved to travel with his sweet family. He spent lots of time sunbathing on the beaches of Florida and Puerta Vallarta.

When it came to his handyman skills he was well versed with a hammer and duct tape believing the two could fix anything. He was an avid spectator and loved watching his Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. He spent many hours each day reading the newspaper, maybe even the same page twice.

One of his greatest joys was being involved with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved being around them and going to their activities. He looked forward to visits and facetimes from his family.  Clarence was a very passionate Christian man. He loved reading his bible daily with his devotions. He spent lots of time in prayer.

Clarence dealt with many medical aliments over his final years but his faith in God never wavered. He remained courageous, strong-willed, and calm. He is now resting peacefully and pain free in the arms of Jesus.

Visitation at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin on Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Additional visitation Friday, March 23, 2024 from 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM. Funeral Service at 10:30 AM.

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