Dorene Mary Maixner, former resident of Harlowton, Montana, passed away on August 5, 2013 in Helena. She was born the daughter of Louis and Mary Vejraska on November 18, 1923 in Odell, Nebraska. Dorene was a gentle child with a kind heart and grew into a lady of grace and compassion. The beauty of her face reflected the beauty of her soul.
In 1941 Dorene graduated from Odell High School, attended Teacher’s College at the University of Nebraska, and thereafter taught country school. During WWII she worked in Washington D.C as a secretary for the Department of the Navy.
On September 16, 1947, she married a young dentist, Dr. Marion G. ”Mike” Maixner and began the life she always wanted as a wife and mother. Dorene and Mike spent their first year of marriage in Gibbon, Nebraska. In 1949 they moved to Harlowton, Montana, where they lived for 37 years. They loved the beauty of Montana life, raising a family in a small town atmosphere, supporting civic events, and mixing with many wonderful friends. After Mike’s death in 1985, Dorene spent cherished time with her children in various places across the U.S. In July 1998, she moved to Butte, MT, where she lived at the Waterford Retirement Home until 2007, then moved In with her daughter Margaret and husband.
Dorene was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother Louis Vejraska, brother-in-law Richard Meerian, son-in-law Pat Walsh, and daughter-in-law Dana Maixner. Survivors include daughter Mary Lou (Gene) Mallette of Helena, son CAPT. Mike (Annie) Maixner of Helena, daughter Marcy (Kelly) McMullan of Boone, IA, daughter Margaret (Vern) Maddock of Butte. She had seven grandchildren … Sarah (Elliott) Loewenstein, Mike McMullan, Krissy Mallette, Patrick (Lizzie) Maixner, Katie Mallette, Andrew Maixner and Mary Pat McMullan, four great-grandchildren, Tessa, Julian, Grace and Eugene. Other surviving relatives include sister Mary Lou Meerian of Hanover, KS, sister-in-law Elda Vejraska of Omak, WA, sister-in-law Donna Maixner, of Missouri Valley, IA and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dorene was always there for her loved ones. She enjoyed volunteer work at hospitals, churches, retirement and nursing homes. She had a deep faith in God and was active for years in the Catholic Church. She was a very patriotic American and devoted member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Dorene left everyone with a final message … “God Bless you dear ones for being a wonderful family. I will always love you and be with you in my heart and soul.”
A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 10, 2013 at Borromeo Hall Chapel, Carroll College in Helena. Memorials can be directed to the American Legion Auxiliary or to Carroll College.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
Share
Reader Interactions
Memories
Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.
Anonymous says
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Dorene Mary Maixner.
Colleen Caulkins says
Dorene was my second Mom growing up, a person I admired and loved! Marcy and I played together as much as possible and I knew the Catholic church almost as well as my own. I’ll never forget Dorene driving us to Billings for a basketball tournament and all the “Hail Mary’s” we said on the way!
Dorene was a kind, thoughtful and loving friend to my Mom. They had a special bond with each other in Harlowton, one my Mom spoke of with fondness and love.
We will all miss Dorene’s special gentle nature.
Love to her children and may God bless,
Colleen Kalberg Caulkins
Anonymous says
Emerald Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Dorene Mary Maixner.
Conny Schutte says
Our deepest sympathy to all of you at this time of sorrow. We pray for your comfort in the days ahead. May God keep you in his grace. God Bless, The Schutte and Feehan families
Anonymous says
Days of Sunshine Bouquet was purchased for the family of Dorene Mary Maixner.
Nikki Noland says
Margaret, Mary Lou, Marcy, Mike, and families –
Your mother was one of the kindest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. She was such a beautiful and graceful lady. My wish for you all is that memories of her will will help lessen your sadness.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers,
Nikki Noland
Love, Mark & Kim Zabroske says
Love, Mark & Kim Zabroske purchased the Teleflora’s Heavenly and Harmony for the family of Dorene Mary Maixner.
John Moore says
To all the Maixners — I offer sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. Your folks were my godparents in Harlowton many years back. We moved to Great Falls not long after that, so our visits with your mom and your family were sporadic. However, I have warm memories of the Maixner home (not far from the church). I’m sorry I wasn’t able to attend the service; we had a family gathering in Billings over the weekend. You were in my thoughts, and I hope that fond memories bring peace to your hearts.
John Moore, Helena
Marcy McMullan says
1 file added to the album Dorene ~ Gentle Woman
Marcy McMullan says
1 file added to the album New Album Name