Maxine R. Kalmes
Tuesday, February 19, 1929
Date of Death:
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Age:
95 years old
Maxine R. Kalmes
Maxine Ruth Kalmes, 95, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at St. Marys Hospital. Maxine Rupprecht was born on February 19, 1929, in Utica, MN. She graduated from Lewiston High School in 1947 and went on to earn an RN degree from the Kahler School of Nursing. On August 4, 1950, she married Curtis Kalmes at St. John’s Catholic Church, Rochester, Mn. Maxine and Curt were founding members of St. Pius Catholic Church.
She was an avid MN Vikings and Twins fan and enjoyed playing cards with her Card Club. Curt and Maxine enjoyed time at their lake home in Shell Lake, WI.
It was a great day when she would see 1 of her 12 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Bruce (Pat) Kalmes of Lake City, Mark (Karen) Kalmes of Rochester, Sue (Merle) Paxton of Rochester, and Mary (Dave) Rahman of Zumbro Falls, Sister-in-law Arlene Burns of Rochester. She was preceded in death by her husband Curtis (2019), mother and stepfather, Amanda and Reine Gensmer, brothers-in-law Thomas Burns and LeRoy Kalmes.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Visitation to be held one hour prior to the Mass on Tuesday. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Bear Creek Services or St. Pius Catholic School.
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Condolences
The family of Maxine R. Kalmes has received the following condolences.
I was lucky to have gotten to know Maxine and Curt through my husband David Jewison. David so enjoyed teaching the Kalmes "kids." God bless the Kalmes family.
My condolences: Bruce, Mark, Susan, Mary Kay, spouses, kids, and grandkids.
Maxine (Mrs. Kalmes to me) was a significant personality in my formative years (elementary thru high school) whose influence continues. She was the mother of my best friends, right across the street, Bruce and Mark. She was the permission granter to their (and thus my) everyday activities. She was a force – benevolent but firm – who guided our adventures into the world beyond 15 ½ Avenue NW. She didn’t mince words, debate options, or reconsider decisions – what she said was all that mattered. I remember her brief comments, suggestions, and observations from the kitchen sink or while hanging clothes on the line – to the idle group of boys milling about wondering what to do next on a hot summer afternoon. She seemed to understand us and our inability to find traction with the multitude of local opportunities. She narrowed down our choices, she put boundaries on our wild plans, she gave direction to our energies.
Mrs. Kalmes was a neighbor who cared about the neighborhood. In the past 40 years our meetings have been years apart, yet at each I felt an instant connection to her lively spirit and authentic smile. I know she will be missed by the family – I also suspect there are others, like me, who have heard, and continue to hear, her whispered guidance when making life’s decisions. I am pleased her voice is there – predictable, unwavering, upbeat, and with a sense of marvel about the coming day.
Dear Sue and Family- So sorry to hear about your sweet mom. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love Jeanne (Trusty) Vehrenkamp
So sorry to hear of your mom's passing. So many good times growing up on 15 1/2 Avenue NW. It's hard to lose our parents, but memories carry us through the sad times. I'm sure your mom and mine are up having coffee and catching up on things.
Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Sherry Schuster Pelinka
Sue,
Sending my deepest sympathies to you and your family members.
Nancy
To the entire Kalmes family I am so sorry for the loss of Maxine what a great lady will never forget all the good times we had camping at Crystal Springs weekends were such fun I’m sure she is sitting in front of a fire with Curt and all there friends having a cold one or two take care Rick and Diane Rivers
Our hearts go out to the entire Kalmes family grieving the loss of a true gem of a woman!! We were so lucky to be next door neighbors at the cabin for all those years and enjoy all the laughter and jokes and fun our parents shared when they could unwind and enjoy life at their happiest place ! My sisters and I loved Maxine’s choc chip cookies and we used to ask Mary to go sneak us some !! Maxine always had a hug and a warm embrace for everyone ! She loved her family fiercely and leaves quite a legacy ! Love to you alll ❤️
Joining family and friends wishing you sympathy and prayers. Memories shared of Curt and Maxine with Tom and Arlene. Thinking of family at this special time. God love. Tom and Katie O’Brien
Sue,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. My Mom and Dad truly loved your Mom. I use to enjoy when our parents got together for a party. Your mom was so much fun to visit with. You and family are in my prayers.
Mark Daly
So sorry for your loss but so glad your mother lived to the same age as our mother❤️
it is still sad though
sending our prayers
Mike Daly
Dear Sue and the whole Kalmes family,
Growing up across the street from the Kalmes’s, my memories are vivid. Maxine always ready to make us lunch (fried egg sandwiches) and then play the organ for us. She tied Sue’s hair back so tight it gave me a headache watching the experience. Lots of laughter! Great memories last forever and Curt and Maxine were a big part of mine. Love to you ALL!
Janet Morrow
My sincerest condolences to the family. She was an exceptional individual. Hold close the memories.
Lauri Louwagie
To all of the Kalmes family...I am so very sorry to hear about your mom. Life at its longest is very short. So very hard to say goodbye to a parent. Hugs to you all.
Judy
The Kalmes Family,
Our sympathies. Both Curt and Maxine were wonderful people and good friends of our parents. I remember playing with Mary on the basement stairs with a slinky when I was probably five years old.
God bless your family,
The Frego Family
Mark, we are so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. May she rest in peae