Maxine Siegel

VINTON: Maxine Siegel, 87, died Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab in Vinton, with her family by her side, following an extended illness.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 PM Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel, 212 E. 6th St. in Vinton with Pastor Jim Blair officiating. Private Committal Services will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4 to 8 PM on Tuesday. A Memorial Fund has been established.

Maxine is survived by daughters, Roxanne (Dennis) Higgins and Becky (Duane) Walthart all of Vinton; grandchildren, Anthony Gabrielson of Chicago, Brian (Laura) Walthart of Iowa City, and Natalie Walthart of St. Louis, MO; great-grandchildren, Jackson and Megan Walthart of Iowa City; step-granddaughter, Michelle Medberry of Marion; sister, Nadine Cliburn and Neville Anderson both of Centertown, MO; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jack N. Siegel on July 16, 1993; and her brothers, Robert and Pete Wilson.

Maxine was born November 16, 1923 at Russellville, MO to Mike and Edith (Crawford) Wilson and graduated from high school in Centertown, MO in 1941. In 1956 she received a Trained Practical Nursing Degree at Post Graduate Hospital School Of Nursing in Chicago, IL

When Jack N. Siegel came home to Vinton after serving his nation in the Military he returned with his beautiful bride. Jack and Maxine were married June 27, 1946 at Albert Lee, MN. Maxine pursued her nursing career at Virginia Gay Hospital before she and Jack began their long ownership and management of Café 218 in Vinton. Many generations remember the warm greetings the couple extended to their customers and still fondly remember those Tootsie Rolls and candy bars Maxine gave to everyone who ate at the café. From 1970 to 1974, Maxine was known as Vinton’s “First Lady” when husband, Jack served as Vinton’s Mayor. She was a long time member of the Vinton American Legion Auxiliary and a past member of the Vinton Country Club.

Her compassion and generosity was extended to anyone when she learned they needed a helping hand. Many Vintonians were grateful recipients of her famous soup, food and rolls. She was proud to have once served on the only all female jury in Benton County.

If a social gathering lacked entertainment, Maxine would agree to share her love of music by playing the piano and leading people in song. Her love of life was obvious at the local grocery store where customers would often hear her whistling happily as she shopped.

Her memory will be cherished by members of her community and especially by those who loved her as their adoring and wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Condolences may be left at: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com

Comments

Submit a Condolence

T(P January 13, 2011, 1:38 pm My mom worked for the Siegels for years and were friends too! My prayers for the family.

blg January 13, 2011, 9:10 pm She was one of a kind, with a heart as big as all out of doors.

JZ January 13, 2011, 10:17 pm She\'d call you honey and give you warm fuzzies, she made you feel welcome no matter where you were. So full of life and so giving.
And yes, my grown up kids still remember the Tootsie Rolls (jumbo size) and getting to pick out a candy bar. I bet she is already on the welcoming committee in heaven.

AK January 14, 2011, 4:27 pm Anthony,
My condolences to you and your family. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Love,
Aimee

CMF January 15, 2011, 4:09 pm Becky, Roxie and family,

I have many wonderful memories of your mother, and one that sticks out is riding in the red Hudson convertible as a little girl. I can still smell the leather seats!

My heart and prayers go out to all of you.

DAaJW January 15, 2011, 8:56 pm Roxy, Becky and families: Jack and Maxine\'s generosity was well documented. Our children loved eating at Cafe 218, especially for the candy and conversation Max shared with them. We also remember numerous open houses for new businesses, anniversary celebrations and funeral visitations; a plant or flowers from the Siegels was always present. How lucky Vinton was to have Jack and Maxine!

TD January 17, 2011, 11:56 am Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Please accept our prayers for you and your family. She found a place in the hearts of many during her life, where she will live on.

JMaJS January 17, 2011, 4:25 pm Maxine was one of a kind. We remember in our early years of teaching here the kindness and concern Maxine showed for us. When a storm hit at the end of our Christmas vacation, Maxine knew we would be headed home from visiting with our parents. She called until she got someone who could tell her we had both returned to Vinton safely. Another recollection was hearing her singing out on the course at the Vinton Country Club - couldn\'t see her but could hear her. A delightful memory. Our thoughts and prayer are with all of you at this difficult time!

DLH January 24, 2011, 10:11 pm I don\'t know what to say. Maxine was like a 2nd mom to me. Im so sorry Roxie and Becky. My daughter was just in Iowa and had her picture taken by the Cafe 218 sign. So many great memories. I loved her so much. Also smile on her face always whistling. I remember that big grin and that voice. God will definately have a great job for her. She will be so saddly missed.

to(s May 25, 2011, 11:09 pm I am so sorry for your loss. Just learned of your sweet
mother\'s passing. Prayers and love to all of you.
Tierney

Obituaries : Maxine Siegel

Comments