Earl H. Maki, age 83, of Shawano passed away peacefully on Friday February 6, 2026, surrounded by his family at home after a three-year battle with MDS cancer. Earl was born on July 3, 1942, Fitchburg, Massachusetts, to the late Urho and Bernice (Hier) Maki. He graduated from high school in Fitchburg. While in high school Earl was a member of the track team and was inducted into the hall of fame. After high school he entered the United States Marine Corps and served his country proudly for six years. Earl served as an attaché and bodyguard for the admiral. He was united in marriage to Anja Juhala in 1964; together the couple had three wonderful children. Anja preceded Earl in death in 2000. He had a black belt in karate. In 1972, he moved to Shawano and worked at the Shawano Paper Mill until he retired. On January 5, 2002, Earl was united in marriage to Joan "Jo" (Ziemer) Lampinen in Cecil. After his marriage to Jo, he stepped into the role of a father for Jo's three children. Earl took great pride and loved all of his children. Together Jo and he would take motorcycle rides through country roads with no destination; just the two of them and wide-open skies. While living on the river there were many memories made of swimming, kayaking, boating and spending many nights listening to the water rush past. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing, woodworking and shooting sporting clays followed by Bible studies at J&H Game Farm. He was a member of River Valley Church. Earl was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend; he left a deep impact on everyone who was blessed to know him.

Earl is survived by his wife of 24 years, Jo; children, Dale (Lori) Maki, Bob (Kim) Maki, Rene (Frankie) Maki, Robert J. (Cheri) Lampinen, Sherry (Rick) Hansen and Rodney (Nicki) Lampinen; 16 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Earl is preceded in death by his first wife, Anja; brother, Bruce Maki; sister, Diane Anderson; and parents, Urho and Bernice.

A memorial service for Earl will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday February 14, 2026, at River Valley Church in Shawano with Pastor Marc Kelliher. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:30 am until the time of service. Military honors will be conducted by the AMVETS Post 10 at the church following the service.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Bristol Hospice especially, Meghan Specht and VA doctor, Brenda Melnarik for the wonderful care given to Earl.