Maxine Burton, age 93, died Wednesday, June 30, 2004, after a brief stay at Glenhaven Nursing Home, Glenwood City.
Maxine was born February 14, 1911 in a little yellow house on the south side of Torgerson Creek, in the Twp. Of New Haven, in the Northwest corner of Dunn County, WI. Alexa Maxine VanBlaricom.
Maxine walked over two miles to Hilson Grade School with her brothers and sisters. Bad weather often kept them home, but being firm believers in education, her parents made sure all finished the first eight ears of school. Her sister, Vera, skipped a grade and they went to Clear Lake High School together. These early years formed Maxine's work ethics. All had their chores to do and learned to cook, bake, wash and iron clothes. There was always a large garden and Maxine helped preserve hundreds of jars of vegetables and wild berries for use during the winter months and there was always the need to help with the younger children. This strong family relationship continued throughout their lives with family reunions being celebrated together. They were each other's best friends and were wonderful role models for all the children and grandchildren. While attending the Clear lake High school, she worked for her room and board. These were happy years. She made many lasting friendships and was very active in plays, intramural sports, track, and glee club. She graduated at the top of her class in 1931 with her sister Vera right behind in scholastic honors.
In 1933, Maxine married Leon Burton and they farmed near Boyceville until 1965. To this union were born six children. Maxine continued the tradition of large gardens, preserving fruits and vegetables for winter use. She also raised cucumbers for extra income and loved to try new pickle recipes to enter in the Boyceville Cucumber Festival. They retired from the farm in 1965 and moved to Boyceville where she resided until declining health caused her to stay at Glenhaven. Leon died in 1967 and Maxine worked for several years at the Knapp House, the Boyceville Restaurant, and the Boyceville School Library. She loved to read and was always abreast of the latest news in the world. She loved to knit, crochet, and quilt. She made quilts for all her children and grandchildren. She was very active in 4-H, the Red Cross Bloodmobile, and volunteered at the Boyceville Public Library. Maxine was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Boyceville. She sang in the choir and was the quilt chairperson for the women's sewing circle. Her faith was strong and unwavering. She was a gentle person and lived a Christian life. She believed in thrift and felt if you had two cents one must be given to someone more in need. Maxine married Earl C. Burton in 1979 until 1987.
Maxine was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leon; son, Don; six brothers, Wylie, Wayne, Maynard, Verlyn, Dale and Don three infant brothers; five sisters, Elva Burrill, Vera Shern, Opal Bradshaw, Shirley Horky, and Dixie Hubbard.
Maxine is survived by two sons, Keith (Charlotte) Burton, Colfax, Earl (Joanna) Burton, St. Louis, Mo; three daughters, Ipal (Gary) Kunz, Fall Creek, WI, Patricia (Wayne) Larson, Ruckersville, VA, and Carol Wadio of Ellsworth; daughter-in-law, Nancy Burton, Knapp; 14 grandchildren; 4 step grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; 13 step great-grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren, Two sisters, Marjorie Knaack, Green Bay, and Frances Nelson, Prairie Farm; sisters-in-law, Mable VanBlaricom, Emma VanBlaricom, and Edith VanBlaricom; brother-in-law, John Horky; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
She will be missed by all who remain behind.
Funeral services were held Saturday, July 3, 2004 at the United Methodist Church in Boyceville with Rev. Nancy Diller officiating with burial in the Tiffany Cemetery. Arrangements were by Everts Funeral Home, Glenwood City.