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Francis (Frank) Maka Jr., 89, of Charlotte passed away following a short illness on Saturday, February 1st, 2025, at Tucker Hospice House surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 25, 1935, to Francis George Maka and Elizabeth (Hegedis) Maka in Dover, NJ. He spent his childhood in Wharton, NJ, graduating from Wharton High School in 1953. He began his career at Picatinny Arsenal in Wharton, NJ as a surveyor. Soon after, Frank met his darling Susie at church, and they married on January 10, 1959. The couple were blessed with five children. In 1972, he began working at Warner-Chilcott (Pfizer) Pharmaceutical as a draftsman. He remained with the company until 1997, retiring as a Plant Maintenance Supervisor. He built his home in Flanders, NJ in 1966. This beloved home was where he raised his family and enjoyed his retirement. He and Susie relocated to Charlotte, NC in 2024. Frank was known for his kind, gentle, and humble spirit. He desired to continuously serve others, especially his family and his dear Susie. He enjoyed fishing, tinkering and building, playing with his grandchildren out in his yard, spending time on his boat with his family, and vacations at the beach in Wildwood Crest, NJ (Waikiki Motor Inn) and Outer Banks, NC. As a man of great faith in his Lord Jesus Christ, he was active in church in New Jersey. He was predeceased by his brother Paul John Maka. Mr. Maka is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Marilyn Sue "Susie" (Buchanan) Maka; and his sister Elizabeth Temby (Ken). He is also survived by his children; Martha Lynn Kaiser (James), Marilyn Beth Katon, Christine Ann Wendt (George), Matthew Jerome Maka (Elsabeth) and Jennifer Susan Horstmann (Nathan). He was blessed with many treasured grandchildren; Melissa Kaiser, Peter Kaiser, Patrick Katon, Samantha Katon, Alicia Sonners (Jared), Michael Wendt (Meghan), Rachel Wendt, Joshua Wendt, Hannah Maka, Rebekah Maka, Caleb Maka, Abigail Maka, and Silas Horstmann. In recent years, he was also blessed with his cherished great-grandchildren; Clementine and Marcus Sonners and Ryan, Henry, and Jack Wendt. Frank was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. His family looks forward to someday being reunited with him in eternity for more joy and laughter. A private family burial will take place at Willow Valley Cemetery on February 6, 2025. A Memorial Service will be held on February 22, 2025, at 1pm in the Chapel of Cavin-Cook Funeral Home. For those unable to atend the service please use the following link to view the service: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc0MDE4MTk4NzM1MTEyMCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw== In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan's Purse or Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care Cabarrus, Kannapolis, NC. Cavin and Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Maka family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

Tributes

Francis Maka, Jr.

December 25, 1935 - February 1, 2025