In Loving Memory of

Maxine Pierson

Gladys Maxine Pierson was born in a sod house, on March 29, 1916, in the Sand Hills of Nebraska near the town of Ellsworth to Bert and Katie Weissenstein Steggs. She grew up in Wauneta, NE with three older brothers and graduated from Wauneta High School in 1934. Scraping together the limited funds they had, her mother, Katie, sent young Maxine to nursing school at Bishop Clarkson Hospital in Omaha where she became an RN. It was in Omaha, as a young nurse that she met intern Roy Pierson. The two were married April 7, 1940 in Lincoln, NE. Following their marriage they moved to Slayton, Minnesota.

In the early years of practice, Maxine and Roy worked side by side when he provided obstetrical care to the young mothers of Murray County. After the birth of their children, Maxine became a full time homemaker and manager- always finding a way to make things work around Roy's practice. In addition, she taught many Red Cross classes at the Murray County Hospital.

Maxine became a Swede by osmosis, and a Pierson in all the best ways. A great hostess and wonderful baker, she loved a good party with her friends. She willingly served the community. This included: Eastern Star, Southwest College Fine Arts Board, Peace Pipe Council in Girl Scouts, Slayton Centennial History Book, and many other organizations. In 1978, Maxine started writing a refreshing, folksy column in the Wheel Herald and later it was also shared in the Murray County News. She had a fervent enthusiasm for her Nebraska Cornhuskers, politics and Christ Lutheran Church, where she served as the first women President of the congregation, taught Sunday School, was President of the ladies organization and served on many other committees over the years. Maxine's love, passion and commitment were always to her family, church and to her town, Slayton.

They were parents to Sue, Richard, Sally and Kristen. Roy passed away on October 18, 1984. A wonderful mother and grandmother, her grandchildren would say that Grandma Max was always happy to share her thoughts and opinions with them and her pride about them with others.

While her vision failed, she held on to independence in her home until October 2007, when she moved to Lexington, NE to be near daughter, Sally. Maxine passed away on August 2, 2008 at the Park Avenue Estates in Lexington, NE at the age of 92.

Maxine is survived by her four children and their spouses; Marlys Sue and Jim Erie of Maple Grove, MN, Richard and Karen Pierson of Niwot, CO, Sally and Cal Hiner of Lexington, NE, and Kristen and Doug Barlow of Hudson, WI, seven grandchildren, Tammy Deitz of Longmont, CO, Scott Deitz of Louisville, CO, Richard P. Pierson of Niwot, CO, Brian and Jennifer Hiner of Welches, OR, Tony and Ingrid Barlow of Sioux Falls, SD, Jonathan and Emily Barlow of Rochester, MN, and Gregory Barlow of Hudson, WI, and one great-granddaughter, Josie Maxine Hiner of Welches, OR. She is preceded in death by her, husband Roy Fredolph, three brothers, Clarence, George Herbert, and Horace Steggs.

Funeral Services

Christ Lutheran Church in Slayton, MN on Friday, August 8, 2008 at 10:30 AM with Rev. Ted Kunze officiating. The organist is Twyla Hungerford with special music by Heidi Winter. Sharing memories of Maxine are friends Vin Weber and Rev. Paul Overvold. The pallbearers are her grandchildren Tammy Deitz, Scott Deitz, Richard Pierson, Brian Hiner, Tony Barlow, Jon Barlow, and Greg Barlow. Interment is at Slayton Memorial Gardens, Slayton, MN.

Visitation will be on Thursday, August 7, 2008 from 4-7 PM at the Totzke Funeral Home in Slayton and also one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday.