Erwin Roy Makinen

ERWIN ROY MAKINEN March 17, 1967 – July 3, 2018    Erwin Roy Makinen, age 51, a lifelong Osage/Ponsford area resident, died unexpectedly at his home near Ponsford from injuries sustained in a fall in July 3rd, 2018.    Erwin was born on March 17, 1967 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Park Rapids as the first born to bless the family of Edwin and Karen (Schwartz) Makinen. He attended the Osage Elementary School through the 4th grade and went on to attend the rest of his public education in Park Rapids where he graduated with the Park Rapids High School Class of 1985. Erwin then attended the Detroit Lakes Area Vocational-Technical College where he studied marine mechanics and graduated in 1987. He began a long career as a marine mechanic first working in Park Rapids for Charlie’s Boat & Marine for a number of years. He later worked for DL Marine & Outdoor and later JK Marine both in Detroit Lakes before finishing up his career at Dan’s All Season Service in Park Rapids. Erwin loved riding and working on motorcycles and thoroughly enjoyed his Harley-Davidson. He also enjoyed riding and repairing snowmobiles and knew the thousands of miles of groomed area trails like the back of his hand. Erwin loved to fish the area lakes and knew of several remote and obscure lakes not easily accessed where no one fished and the catch was excellent. He also enjoyed hunting when time allowed.    Erwin will be lovingly remembered by his mother, Karen (Edward) Jonas of Deer River, MN, three siblings: Ken Makinen and Amanda (Butch) Farlee all of Osage and Wayne (Philomina) Makinen of the United States Marine Corps. Stationed in Beaufort, SC; his five dearly loved nieces: Michelle and Shania Farlee of Osage, Felicity, Abigail and Lillian Makinen all of Beaufort, SC and two precious nephews: Felix and Timothy Makinen of Beaufort, SC; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.    Erwin was preceded in death by his father, Edwin Makinen in 2013 and his grandparents. Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Monday, July 9, 2018 at the Christ Lutheran Church in Wolf Lake, MN with the Rev. John Ramsbacher officiating. The organist will be Paul Ramsey. Interment will be made in the Balmi Cemetery near Wolf Lake, MN. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM Sunday, July 8, 2018 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids and will continue at the church on Monday beginning one hour prior to the service. Following the service the Christ Lutheran Church family will host a luncheon for all. To view the video tribute or to leave on line condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com