Maxine Kowieski

Maxine E. McElroy Kowieski, 89, of Chippewa Falls, died Thursday, September 28, 2017, at her home surrounded by family and under the care of St. Joseph’s Hospice.

She was born December 13, 1927, in Chippewa Falls, WI. to George and Grace (Stickney) Spike. She grew up in the Keystone area and graduated from Chippewa Falls High School.

On June 4, 1947, she married William L. McElroy at First Congregational Church in Bloomer, WI. They resided and farmed in the Jim Falls area and raised a family of 10 children. After William passed away in 1971, Maxine in later life moved to Chippewa Falls where she worked at the Chippewa County Nursing Home as a cook.

On October 1, 1983, she married Paul Kowieski at St. Bernard-Hedwig Parish in Thorp, WI. and became step-mom of 10 more children. Paul preceded her in death in 1986.

Maxine is survived by her children, Bonnie (Roger) Reese of Chippewa Falls, Larry (Pam) McElroy of Jim Falls, Nancy (Dean) Gerrits of Chippewa Falls, Tom (Patty) McElroy of Chippewa Falls, Dennis (Mary) McElroy of Sheldon, Wis., Mary Ann (Tom) Heidtke of Bloomer, Carol (Lee) Dzienkowski of Chippewa Falls and Donald (Debbie) McElroy of Jim Falls; daughter-in-law, Mary McElroy of Chippewa Falls.

She is also survived by her step-children: Betty Jorgensen, Lilly (Frank) Fieschko, Paul Kowieski Jr., Louis (Karen) Kowieski, Bill (Mary Jane) Kowieski, Ed (Lilah) Kowieski, George (Karen) Kowieski, Nancy (Mark) Laimans, Sue (Noel) Fredrickson, and Patty (Tom) McElroy, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands: William McElroy and Paul Kowieski, son Jimmy McElroy, daughter Linda Hoem; special friend Floyd Yeager; and other relatives.

Maxine was a dedicated wife, mom, grandma, great-grandma and friend. Her main dedication was to her family which she raised by herself after her husband’s passing. Family gatherings were often, whether it be the family gatherings in the summer and at Christmas or the weekly gathering to play cards with family and friends.

In the past, Maxine played and called bingo at the Senior Citizen Center and also was a member of the Mary Mix-up Homemaker’s Club. She enjoyed going “dancing”, listening to polka music, watching “The Wheel” and “Andy Griffith”. She “patched” clothing for many, enjoyed gardening, cooking and canning. In her pastime, she would embroider pillow cases and dresser scarves for many. Her well known “Special K bars” were always the first to go at family gatherings.

Maxine was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, October 2 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls with Pastor Aaron Sturgis officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at Bloomer City Cemetery.