Maxine Schwanke

Mary Maxine Schwanke passed away January 10, 2007 ending her battle with cancer. Her gentle, accepting demeanor stayed with her through illness which endeared her to the many healthcare professionals who so lovingly cared for her at Western Home Communities. She was born at home March 24, 1922 to Blanche Clarke and Charles Augustas Schwanke. She graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 1940 and continued to enjoy the activities and friends of the Class of 1940. She graduated from Iowa State Teachers College in 1943 and worked for the Union Pacific Railroad in Omaha from 1943-1956. She worked for Viking Pump from 1956-1985. Her next work was a labor of love as she cared for her mother until the time of her death in 1997. Over the last forty years, Maxine enjoyed the solitude and all the amenities that living on the river offered. She was an avid reader and classical music enthusiast. She was active in the Cottage Row Association and a valuable resource for Cedar River history. Her fabulous book and record collections were donated within the community. She was a member, volunteer or patron of many organizations, including: Cedar Falls Historical Society, Cedar Falls Library and Book Nook, Women's Club, National and Black Hawk Button Society, Iowa and Black Hawk Regional Archaeology Society, Butler County Genealogy Society, Des Moines Metro Opera, Nature Conservancy and Iowa Chapter of Nature Conservancy, Wartburg Community Symphony, Cedar Falls/Waterloo Symphony and the UNI fine arts including Performances by the School of Music. Maxine's death was preceded by her parents. Survivors included various cousins and special friends Lisa and Joe Sweelssen. During WW11 Maxine sponsored Lisa through an organization which is now Child Reach. Lisa credits Maxine with saving her family in Holland through the 8 years that Lisa was sponsored as a foster daughter. There were four other children in various countries that Maxine sponsored during this time. Maxine lived a very private life and never wanted her generosity to be recognized. Her generosity is beyond words and her final act of selflessness is her donation of her body to the University Of Iowa College Of Medicine. Her request for no funeral or memorial service will be honored. Maxine bequeaths the residue of her estate to the Iowa Chapter of the Nature Conservancy. Memorial donations may be made to the UNI School of Music, Wartburg Community Symphony (P.O. Box 3, Waverly, Iowa, 50677) or any organization of your choice. Maxine lived the life she wanted and wanted the life she lived. The community has to say, "Carry on", to a very special lady who had a heart of gold. Richardson Funeral Home in Cedar Falls is in charge of arrangements (319) 266-3525