Toler, Maxine

Other Events:

• Obituary: 5 Jan 2014; Appleton Post Crescent

Notes:

Obituary:
Maxine Toler Vanevenhoven (Iola Maxine)
Maxine was born on March 19, 1921 in Redfield, a small town in Iowa, to Clarence V. and Mary Rose Toler. She passed away on December 31, 2013 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Maxine spent her childhood growing up in a loving family with her three sisters , Peggy Morrow (deceased), Micki Bales of Dallas, Texas and Lee (Stan) Hicks of Port St. Lucie, Florida and her brother, Norman Toler (deceased).
During the war years Maxine met Louis J. Vanevenhoven. He was in the U.S. Army Air Corps and in 1946 they were married. They lived in Kaukauna, Wisconsin and wintered for 18 years in Port St. Lucie, Florida. After Louie's death in 2009 Maxine moved back to Florida to be near her sister and brother-in law, Lee and Stan Hicks' family. Her sister-in-law, Dolores Toler (Norman's wife) of Elk Grove Village, Illinois and a host of Toler and Vanevenhoven nieces and nephews continued the loving relationship and concern throughout her life. She treasured her large beautiful family.
An active career for a very energetic woman spanned 37 years as a professional YMCA Director in Appleton, Wisconsin. She was founder-writer and producer of The Silver Foxettes & Guys theatre musicals for thirteen years. Her leadership and talents helped people of all ages. She filled a special need with senior citizens, helping them gain strength and self-esteem thru dance, theatre, travel, nutritional programs and exercise. Maxine authored two books and presented seminars on radio and television. She practiced what she taught and attributed her "fitness in an active life to low-cal food and lots of exercise."
Continuing her dedication to community, she was instrumental in the development of many programs including the Y Garden Club, working with YMCA Retired Persons Club, Appleton Area Community Council, Appleton Toastmistress Club, Fox Cities Nutrition Committee, Kaukauna Methodist Women's Organization. She also worked as United Way Division Chairman, member of U.S. Congressional Tourism Council, member of Fox Cities Arts Alliance, organized local and National Women in Management and was appointed to the National Board, receiving the Women's Achievement Award from the Fox Cities Chapter. Maxine was instrumental in starting the Sitter Service, expanding to The Apple Tree Drop-In and Day Care Center. She was certified as a charter member of The Academy of Professional YMCA Directors in 1977, one of two women in the United States so honored. She was selected for the "Hall of Honor" award in her hometown of Redfield, Iowa in 1968. She blazed a trail for women, especially in the state of Wisconsin.
After retirement, Maxine and her husband, Louie, had "travel group followers" who reveled in their unique tours. Maxine is remembered as always wearing hats and known for her extensive hat collection. She was a wonderful "always on the go lady." She was a tremendous asset to humanity and will be greatly missed.
A celebration of Maxine's life will be held for family and friends gathering to cherish her memories at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 26 at the Fargo Funeral Home, 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Kaukauna with Pastor Martin M. Ruge officiating. There will be a time of visitation from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be sent to the Appleton YMCA and Peace United Methodist Church in Kaukauna.
Maxine's family would like to extend a special thank you to her niece, Debbie Hicks Kliff of Buffalo Grove, Illinois who was always there for her.
Published in Appleton Post-Crescent on Jan. 5, 2014

Iola "Maxine" was born on March 19, 1921 in Redfield, a small town in Iowa, to Clarence V. and Mary Rose Toler. She passed away on December 31, 2013 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Maxine spent her childhood growing up in a loving family with her three sisters , Peggy Morrow (deceased), Micki Bales of Dallas, Texas and Lee (Stan) Hicks of Port St. Lucie, Florida and her brother, Norman Toler (deceased).
During the war years Maxine met Louis J. Vanevenhoven. He was in the U.S. Army Air Corps and in 1946 they were married. They lived in Kaukauna, Wisconsin and wintered for 18 years in Port St. Lucie, Florida. After Louie's death in 2009 Maxine moved back to Florida to be near her sister and brother-in law, Lee and Stan Hicks' family. Her sister-in-law, Dolores Toler (Norman's wife) of Elk Grove Village, Illinois and a host of Toler and Vanevenhoven nieces and nephews continued the loving relationship and concern throughout her life. She treasured her large beautiful family.
A celebration of Maxine's life will be held for family and friends gathering to cherish her memories at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 26 at the Fargo Funeral Home, 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Kaukauna with Pastor Martin M. Ruge officiating. There will be a time of visitation from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be sent to the Appleton YMCA and Peace United Methodist Church in Kaukauna.
Published in Appleton Post-Crescent on May 22, 2014

Maxine married Vanevenhoven, Louis J. Jr. Abt 1946. Louis (son of Vanevenhoven, Albert and Heindel, Dorothy "Dora") was born 18 Sep 1919, Kaukauna, Outagamie, Wisconsin, USA; died 10 Nov 2009, Appleton, Outagamie, Wisconsin, USA. [Group Sheet]