Maxine Faye Harms

Maxine Faye Harms, age 77, went to be with her Savior on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 in the comfort care of Milaca Elim Meadows and Triniti Hospice staff after a decades-long struggle with MS and a recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s. Neither were able to slow her down and keep her from enjoying family and friends. Maxine was born in Parkers Prairie, Minnesota to parents Alton and Frieda. She was baptized on September 5, 1948, and confirmed in the Christian faith at Trinity Lutheran Church, Deer Creek, Minnesota, March 26, 1961.

Maxine grew up on a farm south of Deer Creek with her parents; brothers, Lee and Victor; and sister, Pam. She graduated from Deer Creek High School in 1965 where she played clarinet and saxophone in the high school band and sang in the mixed chorus. After graduation, she attended Wadena Area Vocational School, graduating with a degree in Cosmetology.

After dating in high school and enduring a 20-month separation while Harold was in Libya serving in the United States Air Force, they were united in marriage in May of 1967. After Harold’s separation from the Air Force, they resided in Circle Pines, Minnesota, until a job change took them to Red Wing, Minnesota.

While in Red Wing, Maxine found her calling to serve others. She was active in the Mrs. Jaycees, serving as chapter president and earning the Outstanding Mrs. Jaycee award for her recruiting and fund-raising efforts. It was there she began her 30+ year nursing career, working in various nursing homes in Red Wing and later in Osseo. She enjoyed her interactions with the residents and their care was always first in her professional priorities. While in Red Wing, her time spent with family and friends canoeing and water skiing on the Mississippi River brought her great joy.

After Harold retired in 2005, they joined a 50-day RV caravan traveling in Alaska. This was the first of many trips that would include stops in all 50 states, 3 military academies, 18 national parks, the Rose Parade, New Orleans Mardi Gras, and numerous other scenic attractions and battlefields totaling about 80,000 miles of travel.

After retirement, when they weren’t traveling, they made their home in Isle, Minnesota. Maxine was very active in Trinity Lutheran Church as a dedicated quilter and member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. She also coordinated finding workers and helping make ice cream for the annual fall ice cream social, coordinated servers for Sunday fellowship after the church services as well as assisted with the annual spring Plant, Bake, and Rummage Sale. Each year, she helped her sister pack bags for her LAMP trip to South Indian Lake. She rarely sat still and actively engaged in conversation with those around her.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Harold; her children, Kathy (Greg) Anderson and David (Kelly) Harms; grandchildren, Megan and Kurt Anderson, Mackenzie and Zac Harms; sister, Pam (Roger) Heiden; brothers, Lee (Kathy) and Vic (Karen).

She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepmother, Leona Hallauer; father- and mother-in-law Herman and Louise Harms; sister-in-law, Eleanor Harms; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Isle, MN. Visitation from 10:00 – 11:00, with services at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Milaca Elim Meadows, Milaca, MN or Triniti Hospice, Elk River, MN.