Franklin Makela

1966 – 2021

Franklin “Frank” Theodore Makela, age 54, passed away February 2, 2021 at Yavapai Regional Medical Center in Prescott, AZ. His wife Barb was at his bedside as he was called to his Heavenly home.

Frank was born on July 26, 1966 to Uno William and Maxine Helen Elizabeth (Autio) Makela in Cloquet, Minnesota. He lived in Floodwood until the age of 15 when his family moved to Menahga.

He graduated from Menahga High School in 1985 and then attended Detroit Lakes Technical College. Frank worked as an Auto Body Technician for over 30 years. He had a love of vintage cars and worked on several restorations. Each May, it was a tradition for him, his bothers, and multiple nephews to attend a car show and swap meet in St. Paul, Minnesota. Frank also enjoyed working on cars in his shop with his brothers and nephews.

Frank loved to hunt and fish and caught the love of his life when he married Barbara Johnson (daughter of Clarence and Helen Johnson, Esko, MN) on September 27, 2008. They had many adventures in their twelve years of marriage including trips to Wisconsin Dells, Florida, Chicago, California, Door County, and multiple trips to Arizona. In November of 2019, Frank and Barb relocated from Menahga, to Prescott Valley, AZ. The last year of Frank’s life included many day trips, boating and camping, around Arizona. Frank’s first international vacation was in October 2020 when he and Barb went to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Frank learned auctioneering from his father Uno and was always willing to be an auctioneer at church fundraising events. Children loved to sit in the front rows and could often be heard mimicking him after an auction.

Frank was a quiet man but had a quick wit and sense of humor once you got to know him. He was seldom without a baseball cap and was known for leaving them wherever he went to visit. He also had a love of dogs and always had at least one or two around.

Frank is preceded in death by his father and mother.

He is survived by his wife Barbara; brothers: Clinton (Alice), Lyle (Doris), Gaylord (Emily); sisters: Vergene Hendrickson, and Doreen (Curtis) Savela along with 45 nieces and nephews and 118 great nieces and nephews. He will be missed by many.

The funeral was held on Monday, February 8th at the Laestadian Lutheran Church of Prescott Valley. Frank was interred at Heritage Memorial Gardens in Dewey, AZ. Pastor Ron Honga officiated at both services.

Sunrise Funeral Home of Prescott Valley assisted with arrangements.