Ann Marie Maxfield

Ann Marie Maxfield, age 69, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2024, at her home in rural Austin, Minnesota surrounded by her family. Ann was born on October 14, 1955, in Albert Lea, Minnesota to Dennis and Marilyn (Jenkins) Kramer. On April 19, 1973, she married the love of her life, Gus Maxfield at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin, Minnesota. Gus and Ann were blessed with three children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren (with two more joining the family soon).

Ann was a 1974 graduate of Austin High School. She later followed her dreams of attending college, graduating from Minnesota State University with her Bachelor of Science degree in 2013. She was employed for many years at Hormel Foods where she retired in 2020. 

Ann was an avid outdoors woman and conservationist. Her passion for hunting and fishing took her on many adventures, from Kodiak Island, Alaska, to British Columbia, Ontario, the Mountains of the Western United States, Mexico, Spain, and the African Continent. Among her favorite adventures were several African safaris with her lifetime hunting partner and husband of 51 years, Gus. Their safari hunts took them to many African countries including Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa and Namibia, making special friendships with people along the way. 

In her own words she was somewhat of a "fair weather fisherman", but enjoyed it nonetheless. Among her favorite fishing destinations were Los Barriles Mexico, and Reel-em-Inn Ontario Canada.

She also shared her love of the outdoors with many other women and youth, mentoring hunts and helping coach the Austin High School trap and archery teams.

Beyond hunting and fishing Ann was an avid reader who enjoyed book club, public speaking and earned multiple awards in Toastmasters competitions. She looked forward to monthly dinners with her retiree friends, yoga and time at the YMCA, cooking or baking in her kitchen, a love for feeding people, an annual trip to Mexico with friends, bible study, teatime with a friend or family member, or just a simple glass of wine on the front porch looking out on her property. 

Ann was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Austin, Minnesota. She attended services regularly and was a member of the church council for many years. Ann played an intricate role in starting up the local Ruby's Pantry through the church and took great pride in helping her community. 

Above all, Ann loved her big, loud, crazy family with her whole heart, and left us all with memories and advice we will cherish forever.

Ann is survived by her husband of 51 years, Gus Maxfield of Austin; three children, Anita (Heath) Deters, Robert (Stephanie) Maxfield, and Jessica Tabor all of Austin; nine grandchildren, Michael Holets, Madison Anderson, Joseph Maxfield, Joshua Maxfield, KayLee Tiffany, Kelsie Deters, Justice Power, Kassidy Tabor, and Haidyn Tabor; six great-grandchildren, Kendra Jackson, Everett Anderson, Alisa Jackson, Nalia Maxfield, Sawyer Tiffany, Olivia Maxfield, with two more to add to her family soon; siblings, Sherrie Bawek, Cindy Kramer, Kathy Mahmoud and Carol Bodway; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Judy Williams, Ann Schmid, and Joel Maxfield. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dennis and Marilyn Kramer; in-laws, Mary Lou Maxfield and Duane Maxfield; and great-granddaughter, Hadlee Maxfield. 

Memorial services are at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024, at Grace Lutheran Church in Austin. The visitation will take place from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin and continue for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Lansing Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Blooming Prairie Cancer Group or Grace Lutheran Church in Austin. Services are prearranged and performed by Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home of Austin.