Arlene Eleanor Maki, 83 years old, passed away July 11, 2020 at Country Terrace assisted living in Tomahawk.

Arlene was born in Bruce Crossing, Mich., to Whilo and Eleanor Kauppinen on Aug. 12, 1936. She went to school in Bruce Crossing. She graduated from Gogebic Community College in 1979 summa cum laude, with a degree in Data Processing. She worked in the field of computer programming.

Arlene had many hobbies and loved to create. Everything from cooking to woodworking projects. She was a published author in national magazines and published poetry. She was a very talented artist, winning several state awards with her paintings.

One of her greatest achievements was saving the rustic cabins in the Porcupine Mt. State Park from being destroyed. She single-handedly began a quest to save them. The state agreed to keep them up for another two years. This was in the early-mid 1970’s. These cabins still stand today and are treasures! Not many people know this fact.

Arlene is survived by her children, Tim (Marlene) Maki, Gina (Paul) Hensel and daughter-in-law Melody Maki; sisters, Anita Hanson and Estelle Jett, and brother Frank Kauppinen; two grandchildren, Morgan Boyle and Aaron Maki, as wells as five great-granddaughters.

Arlene is preceded in death by her son Dean Maki.

A special thanks to the staff of Country Terrace Assisted Living, her Ascension Hospice care team, and Jerry Tierney a dear friend who helped her with so much the last few years.

Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family.