Services will be Monday, Sept. 3 for Maxine Straabe of Leeds, who died Aug. 19 at Sanford Health Palliative Care in Fargo. She was 88.

Maxine Silvia Olive Mickelson was born July 15, 1924, at York, N.D., to Oscar and Selma (Wegge) Mickelson. She was raised there and graduated from Leeds High School. On Feb. 20, 1941, she married Thorvald S. Straabe in Churchs Ferry. The couple lived and farmed south of Churchs Ferry, where they raised their 16 children.

Maxine worked at various businesses, retiring from Noodles by Leonardo in Cando.  She was a longtime member of the Irving Homemakers Club.

Maxine enjoyed baking, bowling, playing cards, reading, gardening, softball games, watching the Minnesota Twins and playing the piano by ear. She especially enjoyed her family, coffee and playing cards with her friends and the independence of driving her pickup.

Pastor Richard Budd will lead the memorial service at 10 a.m. Sept. 3 at the Leeds Lutheran Church. Burial will be in the Leeds Lutheran Cemetery. Her 14 grandchildren will be urn bearers with the Irving Homemakers Club serving as honorary bearers.

Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, Thorvald, who died Jan. 4, 1993. Her son, David, and brother Orvis Mickelson, also died before her.

Maxine is survived by 15 children: Judy (Robert) Tompkins of Brea, Calif., JoAnn (Roger) Copeland of Starkweather, Tyrone Straabe of Kalispell, MT, Diane Straabe of Leeds, Craig Straabe of Mission, TX, Reid (Millie) Straabe of Raton, NM, Hal (Elena) Straabe of Yorba Linda, CA., Vicki (Wayne) Lingen of Cando, Barry (Debbie) Straabe of Broken Arrow, OK, Miles Straabe of Mandan, Candace (Dan) Stave of Leeds, Kyle Straabe of New Rockford, Dawn Christenson of Devils Lake, Ryan Straabe and Jodi Straabe, both of Fargo; 14 grandchildren: Joseph and Derek Bettencourt, Julie and Corey Copeland, Ashlee Dupray, Nolan Straabe, Marissa Bellanti, Nickolas Straabe, Chris Lingen, O. Kaiden Straabe, Traci Ripplinger, Kayla and Lance Straabe and Tawny Christenson; nine great-grandchildren: Jack Bettencourt, Samuel, Drew and Elizabeth Lingen, Nolan Straabe Jr., Katie, Tommy and Michael Ripplinger and Kai Dupray; sister: Ardith Straabe of Devils Lake; brother-in-law: Victor Straabe of Cando and sister-in-law: Helen Carlson of Alexandria, MN.

Doris Michaels will provide the music.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Leeds Lutheran Cemetery fund.

Condolences:

So sorry to hear of Maxine's passing. So many good times and memories with Maxine, she was a dear lady. God be with all of you.    Garry & Darlene Thompson

Diane and family,   So sorry to hear of your loss. Hugs and prayers. Susan Laber Noble

Can't beleive Maxine is gone, talked with her at Bingo in Leeds in July she looked so good, said she was feeling good, really enjoyed talking with her.  I'm so sorry, you have our deepest sympathy and wish we could be there with you.  God Bless you all  Love Kay Nelsen Verke

To ALL of Straabe Family:  We were so saddened to hear of Maxine's passing and have many fond memories, especially from the visits we had while living and working at the apartments there. She was always there to offer a cold brew or a helping hand if she was able to do so when we were outside working. We enjoyed doing extra little things for her even though she was very independent and such a strong character - she did not like to ask for help. It was my  pleasure to share some good times and heartfelt conversations uptown with Maxine over the years and I will always have the deepest admiration for her. Thankfully, she was already at peace when Craig passed - we were terribly sorry to hear of that added grief as he was childhood friend of mine and friend to both of us when in Leeds. Our thoughts and prayers are with you; God Bless you, Maxine and God Bless and comfort those she left behind.   Jan and Dexter Lee - Alford, FL

Allow me to extend our deepest condolences on the loss of your mother. Losing a parent is one of the biggest losses that can be suffered by anyone.  Maxine was a beautiful lady inside and out, and her love and support can never be replaced, but we hope you find some strength, in the love of family and in the warm embrace of friends.Julie and George Hamer

To All the Members of the Maxine Straabe Family, We liken our condolences sent to Craig, Maxine's son, as they apply to Maxine as well.  Going to the Straabe's farm was such a nice place to go where I baled hay for many years.  I was treated the best.  Maxine is one of the many mothers that raised a large family with few of the modern day conveniences. We can't express the friendliness Maxine demonstrated.  Our sincere sympathy to the entire Straabe Family.  She will truly be missed. Glen Tofsrud and Jane Brown

Ryan & Jodi,  I just learned of your mother's death. My thoughts and prayers are with you. It has been a long time since I have seen either one of you, but I see by reading your mom's obit that you are both in Fargo. Bruce Eckre