Maxiene (Mau) Linder passed away peacefully on April 5, 2024, at Heritage Care Center in Fairbury at the age of 99 years and 5 months. She was born on November 1, 1924, on the family farm east of Sutton. She attended country school till the age of 12 before going to town for high school, graduating in 1941, with perfect attendance. While attending high school she met Arnold Linder and the two were married June 12, 1943. They moved to many places, returning to Sutton to farm. In 1957, Maxiene’s brother Morris suddenly lost his wife, and Maxiene was asked to help raise his four children, Dave, Terry, Deborah, and Randy. In 1962, the family moved to a farm east of Alexandria. After the kids were grown and left home, Maxiene and Arnie moved into the town of Alexandria.

Maxiene loved many things in life, especially beautifying her yard with many flowers, always making sure something was blooming all year. She was very proud to receive yard of the month awards. Before moving to the care center at 97, she could still seen pulling or digging up weeds in her gardens.

She did lots of canning of her own produce, selling her delicious strawberries and walnuts, wrote letters daily to family and friends till eyesight prohibited it. She was known for the cakes she made and decorated for weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions. The many buckets of cookies for family and friends.

Large family gatherings were at her place, where she always had a delicious home cooked meal, and after, always ready to play board games or cards for hours. Pastime favorites were crafts, crochet, plastic canvas art and feeding the birds. She spent many hours typing and researching the family’s genealogy and has books and books of pictures and history of the Mau and Linder’s family trees.

When her eyesight got bad, she was thankful for the books on tape that were supplied by the Nebraska for the Blind and Hard of Hearing.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Minnie Mau; sister, Genevive; brothers, Morris, Raymond and Dale and their spouses; and great nephew, Jeffrey Mau.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews that she helped raise: Deborah (Keith) Hintz, David Mau, Terry (Mary) Mau, Randy (Peggy) Mau and their families; and many more nieces and nephews that were dear to her heart along with relatives and friends.

Maxiene’s wishes were to have her body donated to the Anatomical Board of Nebraska for Science, and not to have visitation or services, so we will honor her wishes.

Rest in peace special lady, you will be dearly missed. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be given to Alexandria Fire and Rescue at 303 Harbine Alexandria, NE 68303, or donor’s choice.

Condolences for the family may be sent to 56030 718th Road Alexandria, NE 68303.

Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com