Edward "Ed" James Maki

Edward James Maki, age 75, of Duluth, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at his home on October 9, 2025, with family by his side.

Ed was born on August 11, 1950, in Duluth, Minnesota, to Edward and Vivian (Goodell) Maki, the youngest of four children. He spent his childhood in the Duluth area and took a particular interest in ski jumping and speed skating, winning many awards throughout his adolescent years. He attended Morgan Park High School. At 19, Ed joined the Army National Guard and proudly served for six years.

While in high school, Ed met the love of his life, Wanda Hall, on a blind date. Just over a year later, on September 20, 1968, they were married in Asheville, North Carolina. They lived in the Twin Cities for awhile, before moving back to their forever home in Duluth with their sons, Tim and Brad.

Ed held many professional roles throughout his life, including working in warehouses, construction, and even as a steelworker. Of all the positions he held, his favorite was bartending. He spent his final working years sharing his jokes, kindness, and unforgettable smile with customers before retiring from The Rustic in Duluth.

Through the years, Ed embraced the great north, enjoying many outdoor activities. He loved snowmobiling, fishing trips with the guys, camping in Brainerd, and drag races with his boys and nephews. He took pride in teaching his sons how to skate, leading to their years of playing hockey. Ed was known as a handyman, using his skills to build furniture and work on cars—spending countless hours in his garage, doing what he loved.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Vivian Maki; sister, Mary Lou; brother-in-law, Dick Garlow; nephews, Billy and Bobby; and in-laws, Walter and Delores Hall.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Wanda; sons, Tim and wife Mikki, Brad and wife Bridgette; grandchildren, Aurora Hanson (Reece Lamppa), Hailie McLearen (Eric Duymich), Jaxon Maki, and Taylor Hanson; great-grandchildren, Finleigh and Liam; brother, Dick (Maria) Maki; sister, Patsy Garlow; and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home. 3208 West 3rd Street, Duluth, MN. Visitation: 10:00–11:00 a.m., Service: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Burial at Oneota Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by the Duluth Honor Guard. 6403 Highland St, Duluth, MN., Reception at Mr. D's at 2:00, following the burial. 5622 Grand Ave, Duluth, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.