HILGENBERG, E. Maxine

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Published Sunday, May 13, 2012 - E. Maxine Hilgenberg, 94, passed away in Lake Havasu City April 17, 2012. She was born Oct. 18, 1917 in rural Coon Rapids, Iowa to William and Ellen "Ella" (Preston) Smith. Maxine married Orrin Hilgenberg Dec. 16, 1936 at the Trinity Lutheran Church. In the first year of their marriage, Maxine would get up at 5 a.m. with Orrin and went with him to pick corn by hand. As a wife and mother, Maxine would do whatever needed to be done, even to cultivate corn, bail hay and milk cows. She and Orrin owned Hilgenberg Trucking Company where she managed the home office, keeping all the books, payroll and licenses in surrounding states for up to four trucks. Maxine was involved in many activities, including County Extension work, 4-H club, Cub Scouts, committees at Trinity Lutheran Church and later Ascension Lutheran Church in Coon Rapids. When living in Lake Havasu City, Maxine was involved at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. She was on a bowling league for several years and loved her Garden Club. She was an expert in flower arranging and would enter contests over many years at the Four County Fair, winning numerous awards. They loved to have visitors and travel to see their children in California and Hawaii. Besides traveling, Maxine collected cookbooks and loved finding recipes in the paper. Cooking and crafts kept her busy until 2003, when she lost her eyesight. Maxine is remembered for being a friend and having a wonderful smile. Even when she could not hear what was being said, Maxine would give a beautiful smile. Maxine is survived by her husband of 75 years, Orrin Hilgenberg, of Lake Havasu City; son, Michael (Shellie), of Laguna Beach, Calif.; daughter, Judi Nakanelua, of Kaneohe, Hawaii and Lake Havasu City; daughter-in-law, Judy Hilgenberg, of Auburn, Calif.; sister-in-law, Mary Smith, of Coon Rapids, Iowa; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Gary, parents, brothers, Grant (Rita) Ballard, Ted Smith, Willard Smith, LeVerne (Eileen) Smith, sisters, Irene Smith, LVene (Verle) Thomas, Pauline (Merl) Bower and Betty (Warren) Pierce. Memorial Service will be held May 19, at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church at 11 a.m. Condolences can be sent directly to Maxine's family of through www.lakehavasumortuary.com. Arrangements are under the care of Lake Havasu Mortuary and Crematory.