Makolin, Richard A. Ann Arbor, MI
Age 53, died peacefully on January 1, 2009 at home surrounded by 
the love of his family and friends after having been diagnosed 
with Parkinson's Disease in 2001. Born April 23, 1955 in 
Laurium, MI, to Earl and Janet (Larson) Makolin. He is preceded 
in death by his father Earl Makolin. He is survived by his wife 
Cheryl (Wallaker) Makolin, daughter Jessica Makolin, mother 
Janet Makolin, and brother Martin Makolin, along with numerous 
extended family members. He married his wife of 25 years, his 
childhood friend and lifelong soul mate Cheryl Wallaker on 
August 25, 1984. His daughter Jessica, the love of his life, 
was born October 27, 1986. Makolin graduated from Ypsilanti 
high school in 1973 and earned his Bachelor's Degree from 
Eas- tern Michigan University. He worked at the University 
of  Michigan Hospital as a medical technician for 25 years in 
several research labs and for the Department of Pathology. In 
the late 80s and early 90s, Makolin also worked for the Gift 
of Life Program. Makolin was a member of Zion Lutheran Church 
in Ann Arbor for 23 years and did volunteer outreach in the 
community through the church. He will be remembered as an 
intelligent, gentle, kind, generous, gracious, quiet, humble man, 
with a great sense of humor and quick wit, a wonderful smile 
and great determination and perseverance. He was extremely 
devoted to his family. He was a dedicated employee, mentor, 
community volunteer and church member. He was passionate about 
hockey as a spectator and skater, playing on several Ann Arbor 
rec leagues from the 1970s until 2003. He was well traveled and 
loved nature. Makolin enjoyed being on the beach, whether Lake Superior, 
Lake Michigan, or the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans. He loved all 
water sports, especially fishing, canoeing and scuba diving. Of 
all his travels, it was the beauty and tranquility of the 
Upper Peninsula's 'Copper Country' that he loved the most. 
With childhood summers and annual trips during adulthood, the 
area held fond memories of times spent with family and friends. 
The family will receive friends at the Nie Family Funeral Home, 
Liberty Road Chapel, 3767 W. Liberty, on Friday, January 9, 2009 
from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday, January 10, 
at the Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Liberty from 1 p.m. until 
the time of memorial service at 2 p.m., Pastor Barry Ludwig officiating. 
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one or more of 
the many organizations that supported us on our journey during Rich's 
illness. Ann Arbor Motor Meals/Meals on Wheels, Arbor Hospice, 
Catholic Social Services, Food Gatherers Food Bank, 
Emmanuel Lutheran Church Ypsilanti, Faith in Action Chelsea, MI 
Parkinson Foundation, The Oaks (Catholic Social Services Adult Day Care), 
The Silver Club (U of M Turner Geriatric Adult Day Care), 
Vineyard Church of Milan, Zion Lutheran Church Ann Arbor. To 
sign the guest book or to leave a memory please visit his personal 
page at www.niefuneralhomes.com. 
Published in AnnArbor.com on January 7, 2009