Maxine Lorraine (Braksiek) Happel, 23 Feb 1934 - 17 Mar 2025

HAPPEL, BRAKSIEK, AHRENS, PRATHER, FURLER, SCHAFBUCH, GARDEMANN

Posted By: Sarah Witte (email)
Date: 3/26/2025 at 14:24:17

Maxine Lorraine Happel, 91, of Victor, IA, died, March 17, 2025, at Rosehaven Nursing Home in Marengo, IA.

A funeral service is scheduled for 11:00 AM, Monday, March 24, at St. James Lutheran Church, Victor, IA with burial at Victor Memorial Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the Church following the burial. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Sunday, March 23 at Smith Funeral Home - Victor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be designated to St. James Lutheran Church and mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 485, Victor, IA 52347.

Maxine was born Feb 23, 1934, to Stanley and Goldie (Ahrens) Braksiek. She graduated from Keystone High School with the class of 1951. On December 13, 1952, she married Melvin George Happel at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Keystone. Together, they built a life in Van Horn before settling in Victor, Iowa, in 1960. Maxine dedicated herself to raising their three children—Carol, Cindy, and Gary—while also working as a bank teller at Farmers Savings Bank.

A natural caretaker, Maxine was known for her generosity and willingness to help others. Whether it was giving neighborhood kids haircuts or assisting with everyday needs, she was always there to lend a hand. Maxine was always a consistent source of love, support, strength, and calmness in times of difficulty or celebration. A true pillar for those closest to her. Her love for her family was unwavering, and she took great pride in supporting her children and grandchildren in all their activities.

Maxine was also an avid bowler, winning several local championships. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life; she was a devoted member of St. James Lutheran Church, where she led confirmation classes and Bible studies.

Maxine’s kindness and devotion to her family and community will be deeply missed.

Maxine is survived by her children, Carol (David) Prather of Victor, IA, Cindy Happel of Victor, IA, and Gary Happel of Ladora, IA; her grandchildren, Chris (Amber) Furler of Castle Rock, CO, Greg Prather of Belle Plaine, IA, Shawn Prather of Victor, IA, Tyler (Samantha) Happel of Keystone, IA, and Tawny (Sean) Schafbuch of Cedar Rapids, IA; her great-grandchildren Lincoln, Landon and Pierson Furler of Castle Rock, CO, and Malcolm, Quinn, and Colin Happel of Keystone, IA. She is preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Goldie Braksiek; her husband, Melvin Happel; her sister, Lurline Gardemann; brothers-in-law, Douglas Gardemann and Robert Happel; and sisters-in-law, Luanna Happel and Marie Happel.

Published in The Gazette on March 22, 2025.