Maxine Rose Florey

Maxine Rose Florey, age 77, Superior resident, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 in Mesa, AZ.


Maxine was born in Clark, SD on March 11, 1936 and was the daughter of John and Rose Christensen. Maxine grew up on a farm in South Dakota and enjoyed a close relationship with her parents and her younger sister, Ila Mae, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins who lived in the area. Maxine was the valedictorian of her high school class in Thorp, SD and a devout member of Crocker Lutheran Church.


Maxine received a two-year degree in Elementary Education from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD. Immediately following graduation, she taught elementary school in Brandon SD, and married Francis Gary Florey, also of Clark, on April 20, 1957. Maxine and Francis had three children and also had the opportunity to live in Illinois and Michigan while Francis attained his PhD in mathematics in 1970. The family settled for good in Superior, WI where Francis who was in the math department at UW - Superior, and Maxine raised their family and worked for Social Services from 1977 to 1982. In 1986, at the age of fifty, Maxine completed her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at UW-Superior.

Maxine is survived by her husband, Francis, of 56 years, and her children Kevin (Beth) Florey, Eden Prairie, MN, Todd (Sandy) Florey, Agoura Hills, CA and Pam (Jerry) Porter, Spring Green, WI. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Cody Faga, Suzanne (Bryan) Kuehn, Christina Florey, Michael Florey, and Michelle Florey. Maxine and Francis were also doubly blessed by the marriage of her sister, Ila Mae to Francis’ brother Fay Florey in 1956. Maxine is also survived by her in-laws, Floyd Florey, and Fern (Bill) Page, and many nieces and nephews.

Maxine was a lifelong devout Christian and a member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Superior, WI for over forty years where she served on the Library Board, Circle, and other committees. Maxine lived her religion. She was a gentle, sweet and compassionate person who was dearly loved by her family and her friends. She was the perfect grandma – always loving and giving. Besides her family, Maxine loved to read and garden. She was a faithful and thoughtful letter writer and gift giver and was also an expert at solving crossword puzzles. Maxine will be dearly missed.


Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, January 24, 2014 in the Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior.

Visitation will resume on Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 10:00 AM at Concordia Lutheran Church, 1708 John Avenue, Superior and continue until the 11:00 AM funeral service.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made in Maxine’s name and sent to the University of Wisconsin - Superior, Concordia Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.

To leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit
www.downs-lesage.com.