Mabel Maxine Lauritzen

A memorial service and luncheon will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, Feb. 3, for Mabel Maxine Lauritzen, known as Maxine, of Spirit Lake. She passed away peacefully January 21, 2010.

She was born on March 19, 1918, in Des Moines to William and Mabel (Kinley) Robesky.

Maxine graduated from East High School in Des Moines and although she had a scholarship to Drake University she was unable to attend. She became a secretary at Perkins Elementary School, Hoover High School and culminated her career working for the Iowa Legislature.

In her earlier years on Big Spirit, she enjoyed floating on a blowup raft and shopping, especially "Crazy Days." In her later years she continued to love to shop and play bridge. In Des Moines she belonged to Westminster United Presbyterian Church, Eastern Star and the Pioneer Club. In Spirit Lake she joined First Presbyterian Church, Questers, and TTT.

Maxine survived two husbands, Norman Bishop and Leonard Lauritzen but preceded her loving companion, Dale Thuirer of Spirit Lake.

Maxine is survived by her daughter, Linda Bishop Robbins, and her husband, Rick, of Phoenix and her son, William Leonard Lauritzen and his wife, Carol, of Spencer. Her grandchildren include Erick Robbins of Columbia Falls, Mont., Amy Rampley of Phoenix, Kathy Habben of Everly, Doug Grice of Des Moines, and David Grice of Orlando and their spouses. She is also blessed with 12 great grandchildren.

A visitation was held at the Schuchert Funeral Home on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Alzheimers Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, Ill., 60601, in memory of Maxine Lauritzen.