Maxine Dorothy Kearns, 92, passed away Friday, Oct. 20, 2017.

Maxine, daughter of George Kraushaar and Dora Kraushaar (Klukow), was born Sept. 20, 1925, in Alden. Maxine attended country schools and graduated from  Austin High School in 1943. After high school, she went to Chicago to work in a defense plant for 1 1/2 years, then helped her parents on the farm.

Maxine was  married to Clayton Kearns on Nov. 30, 1947, at Trondhjem Lutheran Church.  In 1976, they moved to Austin. After Clayton’s death, Maxine lived six years at The Cedars of Austin.

Maxine enjoyed fishing, quilting, embroidering dish towels, teaching and attending Bible studies, coordinating funerals, cooking, gardening, watching the Twins and spending time with her family. Maxine was a master of recycling before it was ever talked about — she could write a book on the endless way to use a plastic  bread bag, including liners for winter boots. Her life lessons of caring for creation and companions will be remembered by all.

Survivors include her children Jim and Dorothy Read of Rochester, Bruce and Linda Jacobson of Florida, Wayne and Violet Kearns of Byron, Steve and Shari Mason of Austin and Joe and Kathy Gray of Austin; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Maxine is also survived by three brothers and one sister, Bob and Carol Kraushaar, Dick and Shirley Kraushaar, LeMoyne and Barb Kraushaar and LaVonne Buland; sister-in-law, Janice Slack; and nieces and nephews.

Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, Clayton; and grandson, Scott  Read.

The family extends their gratitude to The Cedars of Austin for the outstanding care Maxine received. From the day she moved in until the day of her death, The Cedars provided endless activities, assistance and loving care. Her family extends their gratitude to Mayo Hospice for their sacred expertise in helping Maxine journey from this life to the next.

Services will be at noon Saturday at Austin Congregational United Church of Christ with a lunch to follow. Visitation will be one hour before service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested for Austin Congregational UCC, The Cedars of Austin or Austin Mayo Hospice.

Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.