Winton Ernest "The Rev" Maki

Winton “The Rev” Maki, age 73, passed away on Thursday, December 9, 2021, at his home in Mosinee.

Winton was born on Oct. 11, 1948 in Duluth, MN to the late Ernest Maki and Evelyn (Molberg) Maki. He married Linda Chaudoin on October 5th, 1968 at Calvary Tabernacle Church in Beloit, WI. He graduated from Apostolic Bible Institute, St. Paul, MN with a ministerial degree, earned a teaching degree from UW Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI and received a masters in family counseling from Liberty University, Lynchburg,VA.

Winton taught public school for many years, was a Pastor in WI Dells, WI for over 20 years, started a Christian school, and then later in life came to Mosinee, WI to pastor Cornerstone Church.

He would have been Pastor at Cornerstone Church in Mosinee, Wi for 25 years on December 15th, 2021. Winton truly lived what he preached. As a Pastor, he would continually ask everyone he met if they had a relationship with Jesus Christ. He truly lived John 13:35, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Winton touched every person he met with his kindness, love, and compassion. He was a father figure to many and has left a legacy of love.

While pastoring full time, Winton touched the lives of many in Bulgaria. For 25 years he helped with teaching others at their school of theology. Per those in Bulgaria, no one could teach Evangelism and Discipleship, or Church Planting and Church Growth like Winton. He would return to Bulgaria to visit churches that his students then pastored. He was known for asking his New Testament Theology students, “What is the most important question in the Universe?” He would then tell them the answer: “What does the Bible say?”

Hobbies included receiving a black belt in his early years, English horseback riding and jumping when he was middle aged and three-gun competitions in his later years. Winton was blessed with a great voice and recorded an album in his early twenties. He enjoyed both playing and watching many different sports and would often organize church softball games or Saturday morning basketball.

Hunting was also a regular part of Winton’s life. He was a regular deer hunter and treasured the time each November when he would welcome home one of his sons for a time of bonding and (hopefully) shooting during gun deer season.

Survivors include wife Linda Maki, daughter Jacquelyn Maki and sons Trevor and Jared Maki; brothers Calvin (Ann) Maki, Jonathon (Carol) Maki and Orrin (Kathie) Maki. Sisters Dana (Don) Knapp and Barbara (Mike) Vondross, and many nieces and nephews. Winton was preceded in death by his parents Ernest (Evelyn) Maki; sister Lori Maki, and sister-in-law, Judy Maki.

In lieu of real flowers, consider silk floral arrangements or wreaths by Kreuger Floral in Mosinee, WI.

Celebration of Winton’s life will be Saturday, December 18, 2021, at Cornerstone Church Mosinee, WI from 2 PM to 3 PM. Pastor Ben Davis of Holland, MI will officiate. Graveside service will immediately follow at Mosinee Cemetery, Mosinee, WI. Visitation will be Saturday December 18, 2021 from 1 PM to 2 PM at Cornerstone Church. Beste Funeral Home of Mosinee, WI is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be directed to the family at www.bestefh.com.

We celebrate his life as we know his eternal reward is great!

“Well done, good and faithful servant!... come and share your Master’s happiness!”
Matthew 25:21