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Maxine J. Barnhill, age 97, of Fremont joined her Lord and Creator on December 5, 2024. Maxine was born on September 23, 1927 on the Milacek homestead near Weston, Ne. Her parents were Frank and Emma Milacek. Upon high school graduation in 1943 she taught country school for 3 years.
Maxine married Elmer Krafka in 1947 and together they had one son, Robert. During the marriage she worked at the Mead Ordinance Plant and Hormel. Elmer died unexpectedly in 1956. Maxine continued working at Hormel while going part time to Midland College to become a teacher. She started teaching for 2 years while working to finish her education and graduating in 1960. She eventually went on to get her master's degree from the University of Nebraska. She taught in the Fremont school system for 42 years. During this time, she was elected president of the Fremont Educational Association.
In 1960 she married Rodney Barnhill. They were happily married for over 60 years until Rodney died in 2021. She and Rodney were avid Nebraska football fans and rarely missed a home game since the late 50's. Maxine was a lifelong Presbyterian, joining the Fremont Presbyterian Church in 1954. Among the offices she held in her church were Deacon and Elder.
Maxine was an avid bridge player, gardener and she enjoyed working on the family farm. Her favorite passion was caring for her grandsons. She tutored, cooked for, and was always available to help her grandsons.
Maxine was not only a hard worker but along with her husband Rodney was a successful real estate investor.
Maxine will be fondly remembered not just for her achievements but her generous heart, sharp wit, and the unwavering support she provided to her friends and family. She was a pillar of her community, often volunteering her time and knowledge to those in need. She had an open and warm heart.
She is survived by her son Robert Krafka and her grandchildren Gregory (Chanel) Krafka, Rodney Krafka and Darren Krafka. Also surviving her are 5 great grandchildren
Preceding her in death were her husbands Rodney Barnhill and Elmer Krafka. Also preceding her in death were her parents and 3 sisters.
Memorials may be given to the Fremont Presbyterian Church.
The funeral will be 10am, Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at the Fremont Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow in Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel from 3pm to 7pm with the family present from 5-7pm.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Maxine married Elmer Krafka in 1947 and together they had one son, Robert. During the marriage she worked at the Mead Ordinance Plant and Hormel. Elmer died unexpectedly in 1956. Maxine continued working at Hormel while going part time to Midland College to become a teacher. She started teaching for 2 years while working to finish her education and graduating in 1960. She eventually went on to get her master's degree from the University of Nebraska. She taught in the Fremont school system for 42 years. During this time, she was elected president of the Fremont Educational Association.
In 1960 she married Rodney Barnhill. They were happily married for over 60 years until Rodney died in 2021. She and Rodney were avid Nebraska football fans and rarely missed a home game since the late 50's. Maxine was a lifelong Presbyterian, joining the Fremont Presbyterian Church in 1954. Among the offices she held in her church were Deacon and Elder.
Maxine was an avid bridge player, gardener and she enjoyed working on the family farm. Her favorite passion was caring for her grandsons. She tutored, cooked for, and was always available to help her grandsons.
Maxine was not only a hard worker but along with her husband Rodney was a successful real estate investor.
Maxine will be fondly remembered not just for her achievements but her generous heart, sharp wit, and the unwavering support she provided to her friends and family. She was a pillar of her community, often volunteering her time and knowledge to those in need. She had an open and warm heart.
She is survived by her son Robert Krafka and her grandchildren Gregory (Chanel) Krafka, Rodney Krafka and Darren Krafka. Also surviving her are 5 great grandchildren
Preceding her in death were her husbands Rodney Barnhill and Elmer Krafka. Also preceding her in death were her parents and 3 sisters.
Memorials may be given to the Fremont Presbyterian Church.
The funeral will be 10am, Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at the Fremont Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow in Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel from 3pm to 7pm with the family present from 5-7pm.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com