A World War II American hero is now in the arms of Jesus. Francis (Franco) M. Maki, 95, formerly of Mass City, Rockland and Ontonagon passed away with his sons at his side. For the past 2 1/2 years, Franco lived at his son and daughter-in-law's home in Houghton.

Franco was born in Mass City, on February 9, 1919 the son of Sam and Katri (Pirkola) Maki. Franco attended school in Mass. He served for three years, nine months and seven days in the U.S. Army in World War II in the 3rd Army, 4th Armored Division, 16th Tank Battalion, under General Patton. He landed on Normandy Beach on the second day of D-Day and drove a tank through France, Germany, Czechoslovakia and Poland, where his division took part in the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp. Franco was wounded in France, was flown to a hospital in Paris where he was visited by General Patton and returned to the frontline after his recovery.

Franco was a movie star! He drove a tank in the movie Sahara, starring Humphrey Bogart.

Franco returned to Ontonagon County from Europe and worked for the Federal Government transporting German P.O.W.s from Camp Pori in the Mass City area to the lumber mill in L'Anse. He worked various jobs in the area including cruising Isle Royale, moving lumber at the sawmill in Mass City, and as a miner and mechanic at the copper mines in White Pine, Caledonia, C & H and Gratiot.

Franco married Laila Lahti on November 24, 1946 in Hancock and she preceded him in death on March 18, 1998. Also preceding him in death were his daughter, Marlene Cole; son, James; granddaughter, Aislinn; sisters, Eleanor, Martha, Gertrude, Audrey; brothers, William, Arnold, Oswald, Donald, Aale, Chester and Melvin; as well as his special friend, LaVerne Picotte.

His grandchildren loved staying with him when he was living on East Branch Road. He doted on them, took them fishing, climbing the bluffs, rock hunting, he let them operate the riding lawnmower and cut the grass a couple of times a day. He taught his grandson Paul how to hunt deer. He was still hunting at age 90 and 'bagged a buck' on his nephew Tom's property and won an award that year for being the oldest successful hunter in Ontonagon County.

He is survived by son, Brian (Laurel) of Houghton, John (Mary) of St. Johns, Michigan; brother, Oliver of L'Anse; loving granddaughter and caregiver, Melissa Maki; grandson, Paul (Andrea) of Ferndale, Michigan; granddaughters, Jennifer Phelps of Mansfield, Ohio, Katherine Maki of Lansing, Michigan, Carrie Cole of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Tara (Michael) Vincenty of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; four great grandchild; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and lap dog Scallywag.

He was a kind hearted, loving and giving person who would help those in need. He transported friends and neighbors to the bank, grocery store, doctor appointments and enjoyed doing so. His door was always open for visitors. Franco was an athlete who played baseball, boxed, loved to run; pole vaulted, and could walk on his hands.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 18th at 1 p.m. at the Cane Funeral Home in Ontonagon.

Friends may call at the funeral home Thursday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service.

Internment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Greenland.

Francis' obituary may be viewed and condolences left at canefuneralhome.com.

The Francis Maki family would like to express our heartfelt thanks for the friendly, compassionate and professional care we received from Aspirus Keweenaw Home Health and Hospice – especially Anne, Ruth, Jean, Amber, Scott, Roger, Holly, Cindy and Jean. It was because of this organization that we were able to keep Dad at home until the end.

In lieu of flowers, Francis asked that donations be made in his memory to Aspirus Keweenaw Home Health and Hospice or 31 Backpacks, Inc 1100 Century Way, Suite C – Houghton, MI 49931. Franco was one of the first volunteers to help with this program.