Curtiss John Maki, Sr., age 75, of Laprairie/Grand Rapids, MN, formerly of Aurora, MN, passed away Saturday, June 15, 2024, at his home.

Curtiss was born May 11, 1949, in Ely, MN to Uno and Katherine (Peyla) Maki.  Curtis married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Hietala, they celebrated 56 years of marriage.

Curtiss worked at Eire Mining/LTV Steel until it closed in 2001.  He then went to work for Edward Oil in Virginia, MN.  Curtiss and Shirley lived on Embarrass Lake near Aurora, MN until moving to Grand Rapids, MN in 2021. Curtiss was an avid snowmobiler and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and auctions.  He held memberships in the Antique Snowmobile Club of America, and the Antique Snowmobile Society (ASS) of Cohasset. Curtiss was a handyman and could fix anything and everything.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Robert Maki of Baytown, TX and James Maki of Eveleth, MN. Curtiss is survived by his wife Shirley, formerly of Aurora, MN; son Curtiss (Sherry) Maki, Jr. of Aurora, MN; daughter Michele (Chad) Hoyle of Bradenton, FL; four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

The family would like to thank Essentia Health Itasca Hospice staff for their compassionate care and help.

Private graveside services are being planned at Ely Cemetery in Ely, MN.