Maxine D. Kumsher

Maxine Kumsher, 82, of Britt, passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Westview Care Center in Britt.

A funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Britt Evangelical Free Church, officiated by Pastor Michael Foose. Inurnment will be in Evergreen Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday at Cataldo Funeral Home, 178 First Avenue S.W., Britt, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Britt Evangelical Free Church Children’s Ministry.

Maxine Dolores Sobek was born on January 22, 1944, in Corwith, Iowa, to George and Ann (Havlik) Sobek. She graduated from Ventura High School in 1962. Maxine worked at the Clear Lake Bakery and later as a clerk at Waverly Electric Company. She met Ray Kumsher at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, and they were married on September 18, 1965, at St. John’s Lutheran Church east of Garner. Together, they farmed southeast of Britt and raised three sons: Chris, Paul, and Ted. Maxine worked as a dedicated custodian for both Hancock County Memorial Hospital and Britt Evangelical Free Church for countless number of years along with various other positions. She was known for her baking – including her famous apple pies; gardening, and love for being a grandmother, cherished by her grandchildren as “Grandma Dee.”

She was an active member of Britt Evangelical Free Church, where she filled many roles in the children’s ministry, including Vacation Bible School, welcoming and registering children of all ages. She taught Kindergarten Sunday School for many years, retiring for some time until her grandchildren were of age and resumed teaching. She also served as an AWANA listener for decades. She maintained special relationships with many of those students to this day. Maxine also dedicated herself to FCWM, Women’s Christian Ministry, where she participated in many missions projects.

Maxine is survived by her husband, Raymond; her sons, Chris (Nancy) Kumsher of Shakopee, MN, Paul (Cindy) Kumsher of Britt, and Ted (Avery) Kumsher of Ames; her grandchildren, Madolyn Kumsher, Isabelle Kumsher and (fiancé Connor) Kratzke, Emma Kumsher, Ana Dee (TJ) Lathrop and their daughter Charlie and son Louie, Rachel (Jacob) Hayworth and their two sons, Eddie and George, Maxwell (Callie) Kumsher, Eva Kumsher, and Ian Kumsher; her brother, Daniel (Phyllis) Sobek of Mason City; her favorite sister, Margie Ellgen of Kansas City, MO; her brother-in-law, Bob (Patty) Kumsher; sisters-in-law, Jeanette (Dick) Whitehurst, Verna Kendall, Betty Lou (Bill) Riebsamen and Mae Kumsher; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers-in-law, Sam Kendall and Eddie Kumsher; her nephew, Eric Ellgen; and by her niece, Karen Sobek.