With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Larry Allen Maki, 69, a cherished father, grandfather, and pillar of our family, who left us on Monday, February 26, 2024. Larry passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories.

He was born July 23, 1954, in Escanaba, Michigan to the late Raymond Sr. and Myrtha (Hill) Maki. He was a graduate of Winneconne High School, Class of 1972. On September 27, 1975, Larry married his high school sweetheart, Diane Barnes.

Larry had worked for Mueller Furniture and Floor Covering in Winneconne prior to starting his 32-year career with Kimberly-Clark. However, his true passion was carpentry work. Whether it was building a garage, installing carpet, fixing a chair, or building a bird house he poured his heart and soul into every project he completed, leaving behind a legacy of craftsmanship that people will cherish for years to come.

Beyond his workbench, Larry found comfort and joy in the great outdoors. A passionate outdoorsman he found peace in the tranquility of nature. Spending countless hours building blinds, planting food plots and pumpkins for his grandkids on his land and occasionally dipping a line in the channel behind his house. 

He was a long-time volunteer for the Winneconne/Poygan Fire Department and Kimberly-Clark Fire Brigade. Larry also worked on the first ambulance service in Winneconne. The friendships he made with his fellow firefighters lasted a lifetime and he always enjoyed sharing a story of something that happened at the firehouse. 

But perhaps the greatest joy in Larry's life came from watching his children and grandchildren play sports. He was their biggest fan, cheering them on from the sidelines with pride. Whether it was a soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, or football game, he was always there, offering words of encouragement and support, his pride beaming behind his soft-spoken cheers.

Larry is survived by his wife of 48 years, Diane Maki; three children, Ty (Martina) Maki, Tori (Josh) Revoir, Tara (Brian) Pendergast; eight grandchildren, Avery, Easton, and Olivia Maki; Keegan, Parker, and Sawyer Revoir; Natalie and Austin Pendergast; a sister, Anne Johnson; a special aunt, Elaine Demeuse; in-laws, Karla Barnes, Teri and Ray Lee, Jim Barnes, Lloyd Swayer, Linda Maki; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Along with his parents, Larry was also preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ronald and Doris Barnes; brothers and sister, Raymond “Jim” Jr. Maki, Jean Swayer, Dennis Maki.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, March 1, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church 8 S. 4th St. Winneconne, where Larry was a long-time member. Visitation will continue Saturday, March 2 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church following visitation with Pastor Mark Albrecht officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Thomas Cemetery, Poygan.

In honor of Larry, a donation will be made to the Winneconne/Poygan Fire Department and the American Heart Association.

A special thank you to the staff at Mercy Medical Center for their care for Larry in the final stage of his time on earth.

Mueller Funeral Home-Winneconne is assisting the family. If you wish, please submit online condolences/memories to www.muellerfh.net.