"Fine pieces of literature are considered "Classics". They withstand the test of time in their value and contribution to humanity. You, our dear friend, are a "Classic". I remember when you first came to Little Falls. Charlie and I were blessed with your presence around our supper table. Such energy, purpose, zeal, and passion you emulated for education and our community. Those qualities never ceased. Thank you, Maxine, for your compassionate care for us and our community."
In loving memory of
Maxine Strege
November 10, 1948 - March 19, 2020
Maxine Strege, 71 year old resident of Little Falls, MN died Thursday, March 19 at her home in Little Falls. A grave side service will be held on Thursday, March 26 at Sunset Memorial Cemetery in St. Anthony, MN. A celebration of life gathering will take place at a later date. Please check back to the Emblom Brenny Funeral Service website for update service information.
Born in Minneapolis, MN 11-10-1948, grew up in Tacoma Washington attended Saint Anns School, Graduated from Mount Tahoma High School, received her bachelor degree at Western Washington University, Master of Education at Central Washington University (with an early childhood education emphasis), Ph.D. in educational administration at University of Iowa and continued post doctorate work in curriculum development.
Maxine was a strong family person who loved her brothers and sisters, friends, and nieces nephews deeply. She enjoyed living on the Mississippi River and watching the Northern Lights. Maxine loved the people of Little Falls and the community around her. She would always tell her family how proud she was to be surrounded by a community of love and kindness.
Maxine retired after working 35 years in education. She spent 25 years in the Little Falls School District and 10 years in Seattle and Bellevue Public School Districts. She loved bringing people together on behalf of children and was committed to inspiring our future generations. Maxine was a lifelong learner who loved learning about the brain, sleep, healthy eating, and longevity research. She would educate others about her studies and share her enthusiasm about the latest research.
Maxine co-authored a K-8 spelling curriculum, wrote newsletters for Morison County Record and helped start partnerships with businesses that supplied internships for students in her community. She worked with the Friends of Charles Lindbergh group, St. Francis Association Advisory Board, Homa Bay Committee in Kenya, served on the MASCD, MN, MN President of ASCD, MN Global Education, election to ASCD National Global/International Committee, member Phi Delta Kappa, etc. She loved volunteering at the Franciscan Sisters Center and multiple other organizations in Minnesota.
Maxine traveled to schools in Papua New Guinea, Ghana, Russia, Kenya, China, Argentina, and others. She found joy connecting with people from around the world, including Mother Teresa in Calcutta India in 1992 and loved spreading the joy of Mother Teresa where ever she went. Maxines faith and joyful spirit influenced everyone she met. Her love, peace, compassion, and kindness for this world inspired others to live a more meaningful and intentional life. Maxines faith warmed your soul when you were in her company.
Maxines upbeat personality left you smiling and laughing as she encouraged others to spread more kindness in this world. Her motto was, together we can make our world a better place.
The memories she made with those around her will never be forgotten and she will live on in all of our hearts forever. Maxine in now at peace in Heaven with our Lord Jesus and her parents Melvin and Geraldine Strege. We all lost a saint and gained a new angel in heaven.
The arrangements for Maxine are with Emblom Brenny Funeral Service.
Tributes
"The mortal world has lost a great soul, a colleague and friend like no other. I'm blessed with stories of your travels, with memories of your work, with a much-altered vision of life and learning due to your influence. We were able to share so many interesting and incredible times.At this time, I particularly remember one of our lessons from overseas. In parts of Africa, the people believe that there are actually two stages of ones post-mortal existence. After you die, you are first in a state that continues as long as anyone who knew you is still living. You have not really gone away as you influence conversations and feelings and even decisions of those of us who remain.Then, when all of those of us who know you go onward, too, the second stage begins. You join all who you have known from the past in that next phase of being, a new time of relationship with those spirits who youve literally known forever. So, Maxine, you are not really gone. You have allowed us to know you so well and your influence is felt around the world.Thanks Maxine... for bringing that little bit of heaven to those of us here on Earth. A "Maxine-sized" helping of your spirit continues in each of us. God bless you as you continue to share God's blessings with us."
"Maxine was unique and extraordinary individual. She had such commitment to children and the well being of all people her community. Her passion for learning and healthy living was relentless. We will miss her. Our deep sympathies to her family . JoAnn and Garry Dahl"
"Everyone knows Maxine liked to travel the world but did you know she started Teacher Exchange Program in the school district introducing different cultures to the staff, students and parents? She was responsible for providing for their needs during the school day as well as beyond the normal work schedule for a full school year. This included housing, transportation and other basic needs most of us take for granted. Moreover, she had a way of stretching her resources beyond limits and those helping enjoyed contributing.To my recollection she visited each Exchange Teachers home land. As the program progressed she acquired a collection of memorabilia to share and talk about with the children. One item special to me was an impressive Black Fur Russian Hat. When I often asked how she acquired the hat her story was never the same. Since her retirement I am pleased to say the story continues. I have the Hat!!"
"No words can express the admiration and love I had for this lady. Enjoyed traveling with her and we had some great times we shared. She was an inspiration to many and will be extremely missed."
"I will always remember Maxines bright smile and positive attitude about people & life. She loved the Lord and shared that openly with others. I will never forget the energy she had and how all she wanted to do is serve others and love those she met. You will be missed Maxine....by many."
"Richard SchneiderOur deepest sympathy and prayers go to the family of Maxine. She was a very pleasant & wonderful person. She always had a wonderful smile for everyone she met. May her soul Rest In Peace. God bless her & her family. She will be sadly miss by all who her."
"This was a very sweet , kind, loving lady! Really enjoyed visiting with Maxine when she would come into Coborns! Will miss her upbeat personality! Rest in Peace!"
"Maxine was unlike any other. Smart, caring and so dedicated to the students of Little Falls. I am forever grateful to have known her. She taught me more about teaching than any class ever did. Rest in Peace, Maxine. You were one in a million! "
"Maxine was an amazing advocate for kids and an asset to the world of education! Lyn Gwost"