Maxine Hammerstrom

Maxine Hammerstrom, 95, of Solon, Iowa died Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at the Solon Nursing Care Center. Graveside services will be held in the spring of 2019, in Sac City, Iowa.

Maxine was born June 6, 1923 in rural Sac County, the daughter of Claus and Molly (Schnirring) Krenzien. She graduated from Sac City High School and attended the National Business Training School in Sioux City. After passing the Civil Service Exam, she worked in Wahington, D.C. as a war secretary during World War II. Following WWII, she returned to Sac City and worked for several different companies. The Sac Sun, Sac County Electric Company, Central Telephone Company and Brown & Stipp, Attorneys. 

Maxine married Bernt (Ben) Hammerstrom on January 17, 1952 in Sac City, and they were blessed with three children: Roger, Steve and Linda. They farmed for over 30 years north of Lake View. Maxine raised chickens, sold eggs and had a large garden. She also worked in the kitchen for the Lake View-Auburn School. Upon their retirement they moved to Jefferson, Iowa, to be closer to their daughter and grandsons. They were very active and enjoyed their years in the Jefferson community. They moved to Woodward, Oklahoma in 2003, to enjoy their granddaughters and a warmer climate. They were very active at the Woodward Senior Center, playing cards and dancing. Maxine moved to Solon, Iowa after Ben’s passing and resided at the Solon Nursing Care Center.

Maxine and Ben met on the dance floor and continued dancing throughout their lives. From square dancing in their younger years to ballroom dancing in their later years, they loved it all. But most of all, Maxine’s pride and joy were her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Maxine is survived by her children: Dr. Roger (Sandy) Hammerstrom of Woodward, Okla., Dr. Steve (Joy) Hammerstrom of Solon and Linda Williams (Dave Connell) of Solon; four grandchildren: Jessica (Dustin) Kelman, Kristin (Peter) Hanks, Christopher (Stephanie) Williams and Andrew (Emma) Williams; and two great-grand-children, Decklan and Reese Kelman.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ben and her brother, Lavern Krenzien.

Memorials may be directed to the family. 

Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Solon is assisting the family.

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Jefferson, IA 50129

Phone:(515) 386-4161