Maxine Sanders

Maxine Vernelle Sanders passed away peacefully with her loving family at her side at age 96 on Sept. 30, 2026, at Truman Senior Living in Truman, where she lived since December 2025. 
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 10 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. 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 where she received her registered nursing degree. 
Maxine was united in marriage to Edward Sanders, Jr., on Feb. 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 Fairmont Community Hospital, she was 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 Watt 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 Sept. 3, 2005. They enjoyed many trips together and wintered in Arizona. Paul passed away on Nov. 27, 2025. 
Maxine is preceded in death by her first husband, Ed Jr.; second husband, Paul Moklebust; 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 and Richard (Opal) Sanders; and other relatives. 
She is survived by children, Ed (Becky) Sanders III of Truman, Curtis (Diane) Sanders of Truman, Ron (Liz) Sanders of Kellogg and 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 and 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 and 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.