Maxine Waalkes ’50 Paesens

Maxine Joyce Paesens,  age 89; went to her heavenly home on August 24, 2017 with her beloved family surrounding her. Maxinewas born on July 13, 1928 to parents Peter and Gertrude (Everars) Waalkes in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The doctors told her parents that she had a weak heart and wouldn’t live long. Later she was told not to have children as it was too much for her heart. Maxine went on to prove them wrong, blessing others with her strong, kind heart. On September 20, 1949 she married Kerwin Lee Paesens. Together they raised five children who were her pride and joy. Nothing pleased Maxine more than having all of her family together. She loved her children dearly, but her seven grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren were her crowning glory. One of her deepest regrets was not living long enough to meet Parker Joseph due in December. An avid sports fan, Maxine could always be heard cheering on her favorite teams which included the Farwell Eagles, the Detroit Tigers and any team her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren played on or coached for. She travelled countless miles cheering at T-ball games all the way up to college. Marching bands were another favorite in Maxine‘s life. No matter the skill level, if she heard a marching band she was moved to tears. A hi-light in Maxine‘s life was when she was employed at Farwell Schools as a 1st grade teacher. She adored her students. Once you walked into her classroom, you became one of her kids. Maxine was a faithful servant throughout her life. She was a member of the Farwell United Methodist Church, where she held numerous positions. For many years, she gave the children’s sermons. Each lesson always ended with “God loves you and so do I” Maxine was also active with the Farwell Historical Museum, loving the history and the people who made up her treasured community. She was a retired MEA member retiring from Farwell Community schools in 1989, and continued to volunteer as a tutor, and worked with students in the school system’s reading programs. She served as Grand Marshall twice for the Labor Day festivities, and was active with Athletic Boosters. Maxine is survived by her children, Kerwin “Kap” Paesens of Farwell, Gary Paesens and wife Sandra of Bellevue, Dean Paesens and wife Lana of Mt. Pleasant, Susan Lyon and husband Daniel of Mesick, Patti Williams and husband Paul of Mesick; seven grandchildren: Tyler, Nicholas, Kimberly, Adam, Amanda, Sarah, Kirk; eleven great-grandchildren; brother Jerry Waalkes and wife Susie of Grand Rapids, welcomed and raised as a family member, Tom Kleinhardt of Clare; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Kerwin in 1989, her parents, and two brothers Kenneth and Stuart Waalkes. A funeral service is planned for Sunday, August 27, 2017 at the Campbell-Stocking Funeral Home in Farwell at 2 p.m. Mr. Ray Johnson will preside. Family and friends may visit on Saturday, August 26, 2017 from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Campbell-Stocking Funeral Home in Farwell, and again on Sunday from noon until the time of service at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Surrey Township Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.CampbellStocking.com

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