Maxine Sanders

Maxine Vernelle Sanders passed away peacefully with her loving family at her side at age 96 on September 30, 2026, at Truman Senior Living, Truman, Minnesota, where she had lived since December, 2025.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Antrim Township, rural Truman, with visitation at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Antrim Township.

Maxine was born March 13, 1930, to Dale and Fern (Ogden) Kelsey at the family farm in Madelia, MN. She was baptized and confirmed at First Presbyterian Church in Madelia. She graduated from Madelia High School and then continued her education at the Methodist-Kahler School of Nursing in Rochester, MN, where she received her Registered Nursing degree.

Maxine was united in marriage to Edward Sanders, Jr., on February 2, 1952. She became a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Antrim Township in December, 1952. They were blessed with four sons: Edward III, Curtis, Ron, and Daryl. They lived on a Tilney farm in Antrim Township where they farmed and raised livestock for many years. Maxine showed field corn at many fairs over the years and won many awards. Later, she judged corn at the Minnesota State Fair. While helping with the farming operation, she worked as a Registered Nurse in the Fairmont and Truman area. While at the Fairmont Community Hospital, she was the Head Nurse of the ICU for many years. After retirement, she continued to work as a nurse with the Fairmont Ambulance Service.

Maxine was an avid antique collector all her life. She especially loved Watts ware and Red Wing crocks. She enjoyed gardening and was a Master Gardener. Even though she was busy with her career and a busy farm life, she always had time for her sons’ sports activities. This continued when she had grandchildren and great grandchildren. Maxine was very proud of her family.

Ed Jr. passed away on May 31, 1997. She then married Paul Moklebust on September 3, 2005. They enjoyed many trips together and wintered in Arizona. Paul passed away on November 27, 2025.

Maxine is preceded in death by her first husband, Ed Jr.; second husband, Paul Moklebust; her parents, Dale and Fern Kelsey; parents-in-law, Ed Sr. and Hulda Sanders; granddaughter, Erin Sanders; infant grandson; siblings, Dale Kelsey, Jr., Carole (Don) Krueger, Charlotte (Jerry) Knaak, Tootie (Harry) Gerdes, Donna Jean Kelsey, LuVerne (Donna) Sanders, Richard (Opal) Sanders; and other relatives.

She is survived by her four children, Ed (Becky) Sanders III of Truman, Curtis (Diane) Sanders of Truman, Ron (Liz) Sanders of Kellogg, Daryl (Judi) Sanders of Truman; grandchildren, Sara (Jim) Utermarck, Derek (Amy) Sanders, Ryan Sanders, Kristine (Tom) Leimer, Jenna (Chris) Rudd, Eric (Emily) Sanders, Kathryn (Jason) Strangstalien, Zachary (Kristi) Sanders, Kelsey (Ashton) Dilly, Louis (McKenzie) Sanders; great-grandchildren, Jackson, Anna, Kain, Avery, Blake, Brooke, Christopher, Maxwell, Theodore, Claire, Benjamin, Madison, Waylon, Atlas and Graham; siblings, Ron (Jean) Kelsey, Mick (Karen) Kelsey, Marjory Nelson, Valeria (Gary) Forsythe; sister-in-law, Judie Kelsey; also many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Truman Senior Living and Moments Hospice for their care and support.