Rev. David Maki

On January 17, 2019, Rev. David William Maki (63) came to the end of his earthly pilgrimage in the full confidence that Jesus Christ had, by His death and resurrection, won for him eternal life as He promised, “I am the resurrection and the life; he that believes in me shall never die.”

David was blessed with a loving and godly partner, Debra; together they were afforded 40 years to serve Jesus Christ, His mission, and each other. During this time, they raised three children of God, Ryan, Matthew, and Joel.

He was a true ambassador for Christ, a humble servant, and a vigorous missionary with a heart for all nations. In addition to faithfully serving congregations in Wisconsin, Tennessee, Indiana, and Minnesota, he took his mission outside of the church walls to schools, prisons, neighbors, and various countries around the globe. He invested deeply in the lives of others as a servant, mentor, and friend. This is made evident by the heartfelt testimonies of those who learned to live and love more like Jesus through his example.

David was born to Melvin and Mary Lee (Ollie) Maki on April 7, 1955, in Perham, MN, and is survived by his wife, Debra (Monson); three sons: Ryan (Tessa) Maki, of Altoona, WI; Matthew (Jennifer) Maki of Casselberry, FL; and Joel Maki of Blaine, MN; two grandchildren: Tanner and Harper (Matthew's children); siblings: Susan (James) Winter; Scott (Marsha) Maki; and Brenda Olander; many other relatives and dear friends.

David was known for his Christmas letters. Along with the annual familial update and deer report woven with his dry wit and humor, he shared the true meaning of Christmas without fail. The following is an excerpt from his 2012 letter, which focused solely on what Christ has done for us. It would be his prayer, and it is the prayer of his family, that you would come to know and share this Good News:

“God has given us evidence that death is not the final word. Christ went to the Cross as proof that God wants you and me to know He is passionate about us. Jesus suffered, died and rose from the dead to show us that the grave is not the end of the story. Jesus has saved us from the fear that this life is all there is. Death no longer has the power to separate us from Him or those who know the gift of grace. Those who celebrate the resurrection of Jesus know this life is only the beginning of a life that will never end.”

Family and friends are invited to celebrate the beginning of David's new life that will never end, during one of the following times. A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 25, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in New York Mills, Minnesota. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 24, 2019 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New York Mills, Minnesota. A gathering of family and friends will resume one hour prior to the memorial service on Friday. A memorial service will also be held on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at 3:30 p.m. at Gathering Place Lutheran Ministries in Arden Hills, Minnesota. Any memorial gifts to the family will be used to further the Gospel through ministries near and dear to David’s heart.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rev. David Maki, please visit our floral store.