Maxine Vera (Jamieson) Spenner, 88, of La Porte, IN, passed away Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019.
She was born Nov. 26, 1930, in Crown Point, IN, to Ray Jamieson and Gladys Wylie.
Maxine taught school in St. Joseph County, La Porte County, Porter County and Lake County. She graduated from Ball State University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree. She was a member of Door Village United Methodist Church and Post 83 American Legion Auxiliary, where she served as Sergeant of Arms for a few years. She then became the service officer and first collected yarn and slippers and necessary clothes for the service men and women in the hospitals. She belonged to Scipio Township Farm Bureau, where she served as treasurer and was the representative on the Township Staff Council. Maxine was the President of La Porte County Home Extension from 1983–1985. In 1987 she organized the Road program La Porte Literacy Coalition and served as president for four years and later served as secretary. In the ’80s she belonged to Women’s Democratic Club of La Porte, where she was publicity chair and recreation leader for many activities. She also worked many days at election time at the headquarters. In 1986 she took the first course on water safety with the Michigan City Power Squadron, where she served as Publicity Secretary Executive and Commander in 1990. She took all of the classes and received Navigation status. She also worked for two years at the boat show and was the only woman instructor teaching classes. She was in parades and taught safety classes regularly. Maxine received a 25-year pin and the Clarence Moore award.
On Aug. 7, 1954, Maxine married Gene Spenner, who preceded her in death on July 21, 1989.
Maxine is survived by two sons, Dean (Ruth) Spenner of Indianapolis, IN, and Richard (Jill) Spenner; two grandchildren, Emily Knudsen and Allison Smith; one great-grandson, Conrad Smith; and six siblings.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and eight siblings.
Visitation will be from 9-11:30 a.m. CST Friday, Nov. 1, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, La Porte. A funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. CST in the funeral home. Pastor Bob Denney will officiate. Burial will follow in Door Village Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to The New Day Foundation, P.O. Box 13, La Porte, IN 46352-0013; or The Columbus, Indiana, Children’s Choir, 4600 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46208.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.