Michael Maki
Michael Victor Daniel Maki, 76, suddenly passed away Monday, June15, 2026, at home in Columbia, TN. He was born July 11, 1949, in Rhinelander, WI to the late Mathew and Lorrayne (nee Jefferson) Maki.
Although he began life in Conover, WI, he had an innate wanderlust that led him to Okinawa, Japan and the whole of North America. Mike graduated from Eagle River Union High School in 1967, and was drafted into the Vietnam War where he served in the Army and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. After being honorably discharged in 1971, he held jobs at Kohler Plumbing, Maki School Bus Service, Maki Excavating, and Snap-On (selling tools out of an old hearse), as well as being a long-haul trucker and co-owner of Sundown Tavern in Conover.
The pinnacle of his career, and what took him all across the United States and Canada, was being a professional bus driver for Country Music stars, bands, and entertainers. He greatly enjoyed the comradery and friendship he shared with the other drivers, as well as the entertainers, managers, and band members—all of whom called him “Maki”. Mike currently worked for Black River Entertainment and drove bus for Crystal Gayle.
When Mike wasn’t on the road, he worked in construction and enjoyed rounds of golf. He was a lover of cars—especially his dad’s ’68 AMC Rebel convertible—trucks, and trailers of any shape, size, or purpose. Above all Mike will be remembered for his generosity to his family, friends, or a stranger in need.
Mike is survived by his wife, Noel of Columbia; sister, Carilyn (Tico) Olejniczak of St. Germain, WI; nephews, Mat (Robb Fanning) Olejniczak of Fox Lake, IL and Mark (Nicole) Olejniczak of St. Germain; grand-nephews and niece, Jackson, Landon, and Kestyn Olejniczak of St. Germain; aunts, Marilyn (the late Norman) Hilliard and Rita (the late Alvin) Hogenmiller of Conover; many cousins; and an abundance of great friends.
In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frieda and Daniel Jefferson and Ela and Victor Maki; aunts, Delores (Adam) Skrobak, Jean (Jack) Armstrong, Sylvia (Richard) Chase, and Helmi Maki; and uncle, Russell (Eleanor) Jefferson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mike’s name to Pioneer Lutheran Church, 3675 Church Rd, Conover, WI 54519, Conover Lions Club, PO Box 52, Conover, WI, 54519, or the North and South Twin Lakes Riparian Association, PO Box 163, Phelps, WI 54554, appreciated.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held Saturday, July 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Knocker’s Pizza Company, 438 Highway 70 East, St. Germain.
