William "Bill" Maki was born December 29, 1948 to Wilbert Maki and Hazel (Falk) Maki in Deadwood, SD. He grew up in Newell, SD and enlisted in the Navy while attending school. Bill was a diesel mechanic and was stationed in San Diego, CA. He was also a proud Vietnam veteran and was part of the Brown Water Navy while there.

Bill was a talented vehicle mechanic and restored many vehicles and built a race car out of an old Chevy Nova. He was a huge Denver Broncos fan and also loved the Chicago Cubs. Bill loved to spend time in the Black Hills fishing and loved to listen to the blues.

Bill suffered a brain aneurism in 2009 and went through many medical complications as a result of that, but cheated death many times. He resided at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice South Dakota State Vets Home in Hot Springs, SD

Bill peacefully passed on Friday, September 18th, 2015 in Thornton, CO. at the Suburban Medical Center.

Bill is survived by one daughter, Gina Lax, of Newcastle, WY; one brother, David (Mary) Maki of Gillette, WY; one sister Kathy Maki of Gillette, WY; one grandson, Jesse Lax of Gillette, WY; one granddaughter, Sharla Lax of Newcastle, WY; and one Niece, Malarie Maki of Gillette, WY.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Service will be Friday, Oct. 2, 11 AM at the Black Hills National Cemetery National Cemetery near Sturgis with military honors.

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