Maxine M. Gramm

Maxine Marie Gramm, 94, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away peacefully at her residence, Friday, May 26, 2017. She was born December 2, 1922, in rural Smithland, Iowa, to Ralph and Celia Seitzinger. She graduated from Hornick High School in 1940. She met her husband Royce in Rodney, Iowa, and they married in California on Feb. 7, 1942. Maxine and Royce returned to Iowa where together they farmed in Rodney and Onawa areas for many years. They moved to Sioux City after Royce went into the insurance business. After Royce’s retirement, winters were spent in Arizona and Texas until Royce’s passing.

Maxine enjoyed her family, bridge, golf, sewing and quilting, gardening and watching professional basketball. She and Royce also belonged to a bowling league. She was a fantastic cook and canner and was famous for her delicious cinnamon rolls—a family favorite that was always requested at gatherings.  Maxine didn’t know a stranger and spent her early years volunteering for the Sioux City Welcome Wagon. 

Left to cherish her memory are her brothers Lyle Seitzinger (Sherma) of Omaha, NE, and Robert “Bob” Seitzinger (Ginny) of Moville, Iowa; her children, Royce “Skip” Gramm (Jan), of Sioux City and Marsha Wiese (Alan) of Tekamah, Nebraska;  her grandchildren, Shannon Gramm (Brandi), Tara Hovseth (Chad), Amber Gibson (Stacy) and Heather Starr (Jason);  her great grandchildren Dillon Gibson, Hannah Gibson, Drake Starr, Brody Starr, Sienna Hovseth and Cole Hovseth; and many extended family, friends and neighbors. Also surviving Maxine is her beloved dog, JoJo, who comforted through her final moments.

Maxine was proceeded in death by her husband Royce, her parents Ralph and Celia Seitzinger, and her sister Lucille Kersey.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at the United Church of Christ in Rodney, IA with Pastor Karen Handke officiating.  Burial will follow at Grant Township Cemetery near Rodney.  Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. 

Memorials may be made to Rodney United Church of Christ, Rodney, Iowa 51051.