Jeffery Makeeff

Jeffery Makeeff, 56, of Mandan, passed away June 4, 2025, at his home.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at GracePoint Church, 205 43rd Ave. NE, Bismarck, with Pastor Duncan Hannestad officiating. Burial will follow at 1 PM at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery with full military honors

Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Buehler-Larson Funeral Home, 1701 Sunset Drive, Mandan, with a Prayer Service at 7 PM.

Jeffery was born in Billings, Montana on August 27, 1968, to Raymond and Betty (Field) Makeeff. Jeff had four older siblings Carla, Sara, Todd, and Craig. He attended Bismarck High School, graduating in 1986. Soon after graduation, Jeff joined the US Marine Corps and received numerous commendations and awards.

Jeff spent a lot of time in Arizona where he met his wife, Laura. Jeff and Laura were wed in Laughlin, Nevada on September 8, 2000. He spent most of his adult life as a truck driver, working for companies such as MBI, Dixon Brothers, and most recently Circle K.

Jeffery was known to many as “Stretch” or “Jiffy Pop.” He had quite a few hobbies including riding his motorcycle, family trips to the annual Sturgis Bike Rally in South Dakota, and playing darts. He was always jamming out to Guns N’ Roses – anytime it was playing people knew Jeff was around. Jeff enjoyed hanging out with family, and he also loved to stop by his mother, Betty’s, to spend time with her, talk, play cards, and often go to the movies together.

Jeffery was a man who held very strong beliefs especially about and with God. Jeffery was a one-of-a kind man, quiet but smart, funny, and compassionate. Jeff didn't talk much, but when he did it was always something sarcastic. He knew how to make people laugh – he didn't have to try, he did it just by being himself. Jeff had a heart of gold. He was a very tall man and those who knew him would agree those shoes are some big ones to fill. He was the kind of person who would laugh with you about something ridiculous or do something goofy himself, and then turn around and be able to fix this or that or tell you about the earth, space, and science. Jeff liked science fiction and action movies and shows. He could identify a movie just by a single name of an actor or a phrase.

Jeffery Makeeff was a well-loved man and will be missed by those who knew him and were close to him. Jeffery was preceded in death by his brother, Craig Makeeff and father, Raymond Makeeff.

Jeff is survived by many loving family members including his wife, Laura Makeeff; son, Taylor Raby; mother, Betty Makeeff; siblings, Carla Schalesky, Sara Hasbargen, and Todd Makeeff; many well-loved nephews and nieces; numerous friends; and a special pet, Jeff’s dog, Holly.