Kingsford-Richard A. “Butch” Makela, 73, of Kingsford, Mich., passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at Golden Living Center, Florence, Wis.

He was born on July 9, 1943 in Chicago, Ill., son of the late Reynolds C. and Dorothy M. (Laine) Makela. Richard grew up in Waukegan, Ill., and graduated high school in 1961.

He had many welding jobs in small shops in Kenosha, Wis. Richard moved to Iron River in 1976 to help his parents, Rey and Dorothy Makela with their store, The Forest Gateway on West US 2.

Richard met and married Lil in 1982. They moved to Kingsford where he worked for Boss Snow Plow as a welder, retiring in 2008. She preceded him in death.

He is survived by two daughters, Betty A. Waley and Lorie J. Makela and by one sister, Sheila C. Olson.

In accordance with Richard’s wishes, private services were held.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Richard or leave a condolence for his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain, to honor Richard’s legacy of life.