Maxine Marie Kolste

Maxine M. Kolste, 97, passed away peacefully in Louisville, NE, on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023.

She will be remembered as a loving and dedicated wife, mother, mother-in-law, daughter, sister, and grandmother.

Maxine was born to Carl and Velma (Hill) Schnuerle on March 27, 1926, in Almena, Kansas. She graduated from Almena High School in 1944, and from Salt City Business College in Hutchinson, Kansas, in 1946.

Maxine married Loren C. Kolste, in Denver, Colorado, on October 23, 1948. They enjoyed a loving marriage for nearly 50 years before Loren's death in 1997. The couple moved to Ogallala, Nebraska, in 1953, where they built their forever home and embarked on the great joy of Maxine's life - raising their three children. She lived independently in their home until late 2021.

Maxine truly enjoyed raising her family in western Nebraska. Maxine and Loren were avid golfers and spent many summers playing at Ogallala Country Club with their family and friends. The Kolste's loved boating on Lake McConaughy and teaching their children and grandchildren how to waterski. Maxine's bridge clubs, Church Circle, and neighbors played an important role in forming the loyal friendships with many special women in her community that she enjoyed for nearly 75 years.

She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, where she served on numerous boards and taught Bible and Sunday school. Maxine filled leadership roles in the Ogallala community during her children's formative years by serving as a Girl Scout Leader and Den Mother. She was a skilled seamstress and loved creating clothing and costumes for her children and their friends.

Her elegant and understated style was evident in many aspects of her life, such as her family's mid-century modern home, color-coordinated flower beds, and her timeless wardrobe.

Maxine was remarkable in every way. She served as a role model to her children and grandchildren through her quiet wisdom, positive and unassuming attitude, and her generosity. The care and love she shared with others will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, Loren; a son, Rex; a great-grandson, William Edward Hardin; her parents, Carl and Velma Schnuerle; a brother, Wayne Schnuerle; a sister, Lola Williams; and her in-laws, Art and Ann Kolste.

Maxine is survived by her children, Bart (Angie) Kolste and Ellen (Carter Mayotte) Collins; her daughter-in-law, Deb Kolste; grandchildren, Brittany (Justin) Hardin, Trent (Melissa LeBlanc) Kolste, Courtney Kolste, Drew (Catherine) Kolste, Ali (Josh Albrecht) Kolste, and Tori Kolste; and her great-grandchildren, Ethan Hardin, Anna and Emma Kolste, and April and Max Albrecht.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church in Ogallala. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.

Memorial services will be held Friday, June 30, 2023, at 2:00 pm at the United Methodist Church with Pastor Curt Magelky officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Ogallala Cemetery.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.