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Maxine Thorson
In Loving Memory of Maxine J. (Purdie) Thorson, age 93, of Wells, Minnesota, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at MCHS, Mankato, Minnesota. Maxine was a faithful woman who loved her Lord, her family, church and community.
Private Graveside Services will be held at a later date. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is assisting the family.
Maxine was born on May 30, 1928 in Wells, Minnesota to Harry and Violet (Babcock) Purdie. She grew up in Wells and graduated from Wells High School in 1946. She worked at the Wells Bakery and the Wells Drug Store. On July 31, 1952 she was united in marriage to Wallace (Bud) Thorson at Grace Lutheran Church, Fairmont, MN. They were blessed with five children. Maxine and Bud were known for their woodcrafts and Maxine’s beautiful craft painting. They loved to travel together, and especially enjoyed their road trip to Alaska. They spent many weekends camping at Rice Lake. After Bud’s death, Maxine enjoyed flower gardening, yard work, jigsaw puzzles, and cheering on her Minnesota Vikings (she was their biggest fan!). Family holidays were the best, she loved being surrounded by her family, cooking and baking for all of them. She loved her children, grandchildren, and was especially proud of her great grandchildren.
Maxine is survived by her five children: Craig (Mary) Thorson, North Mankato, MN, Debra (Fred) May, Eagle River, AK, Jenifer (Tom) Anderson, Delavan, MN, Kristi (Lon) Stenzel, Minnesota Lake, MN, and Todd (Maria Donahue) Thorson, Eagle Lake, MN; six grandchildren and their families, Melissa (Greg), Noah, Logan, Molly, Brody, Isaiah and Olivia Landsteiner, North Mankato MN, Amy (Michael) Hannah and Caden Beckmann, Cedar Rapids, IA, Luke,(special friend Chelsea), Kloey, Liam and Silas Stenzel, Delavan, MN, Angie (Nate), Dylan, Joanna, and Alex McKinney, Chaska, MN, Abby (Philip), Elijah, Madelyn, Wesley and Oliver Bailey, Mankato, MN, Danielle, Ruby(Dotson), Helen and Georgia Rutledge, Madison, MN; Step Grandchildren and their families, Alia (Terry) and Liam Boardman, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Micah (Rebecca) Mercedes and Alejandro May, Riverside, CA, Matthew (special friend Caylie) Lee, Mankato, MN, Marissa (Christopher) and Brayden Baumgard, Mapleton, MN, sister-in-law, Ardean Purdie Douma, Mankato, MN and many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.
Maxine was preceded in death by the love of her life, Wallace on March 9, 2000, her parents; sisters and their spouses, Ethel (Telbert) Cutting, Berniece (Floyd) Baker; brothers and their spouses, Marshall (O’ceil) Purdie, Harold (Hazel) Purdie, Dale Purdie, and Loren Purdie; sister-in-law Marge Purdie, nieces; Vicky Herbst, Carol Flynn, Carolyn Purdie, and Penny Purdie, nephew; Gary Purdie, and all of her Thorson in-laws.
Maxine had a very special caregiver, her daughter; Jenifer Anderson. Cheers Mom & Grandma, to 1:00am wake ups and a little Dixie Cup of wine. We will love you forever and always!!
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I have been lucky enough to have wonderful uncles and aunts. All were special to me but I enjoyed my visits with Maxine after riding my bike from Owatonna to Wells. You will be missed Aunt Max!
What a beautiful obituary for such a kind, sweet lady. She will be missed by many. Love and hugs to all of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Sharon Purdie Sand
We are so very sorry for your loss. Maxine was such a sweet lady. I always enjoyed visiting with her. May you cherish your wonderful memories of her. Our deepest condolences during this difficult time.