Jerry “Spanky” Maki, age 88 of Mountain Iron, died Sunday, May 24, 2026, in his home surrounded by his family. He was born February 6, 1938, to Otto and Hazel (Terrio) Maki in Mountain Iron, MN. He was a graduate of Mountain Iron High School. He married Cheryl (Holznagel) on May 6, 1977. 

He worked most of his life as a master plumber; including being co-owner of Virginia Plumbing & Heating, he owned Spanky’s Plumbing & Heating, and he worked for the Virginia School district as head of plumbing and maintenance.

Jerry loved woodworking and spent many hours in his large woodworking shop, building beautiful pieces of furniture for his family and for others that admired his gift of craftsmanship. He was an avid Amateur Radio Operator for many years when he was younger and enjoyed talking with people around the world. We now sign off with a Silent Key. He was also an avid Green Bay Packer fan and loved the rivalry when the Packers played the Minnesota Vikings and his daughter, Donna, cheered on the Vikings and he cheered for the Packers, poking fun at each other when the opponent fumbled. He also a member of the Virginia Rifle & Pistol Club and would spend some time shooting out at the range with his friend, Jim Pottsmith.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 49 years: Cheryl Maki of Mountain Iron, MN; daughters: Mickey (Mike) Mankus of Iron, MN, and Donna Smith of Virginia, MN and their Mother: Joanie Meglich of Mountain Iron, MN; sister: Sharon (Jack) Turnquist of Cambridge, MN;  brothers-in-law: Mike (Marge) Holznagel of Nevada, MO and Lynn (Kathy) Holznagel of Cloquet, MN; cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and sisters:  Judi Maki and Vickie Lundgren. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Family arrangements by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia.  To leave a remembrance of Jerry online, see  www.baumanfamilyfuneralhome.com