Dennis Maxson

Dennis Floyd Maxson (83) died peacefully on June 4, 2018 at Tender Reflections, Weston, WI.  Dennis was born on October 31, 1934 in Rugby, North Dakota to Audrey and Floyd Maxson. He attended school in Fargo, ND where he played basketball and baseball with his childhood friend, Roger Maris.  Dennis moved to Willmar, Minnesota in high school with his mother and stepfather, Harvey Aistrup. He met his wife-to-be, Sallie Irene Rose, at Willmar High School.

Dennis enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas before being  deployed as Specialist Third Class, 32nd Infantry, 7th Infantry Division Korea during the Korean Conflict.  He and Sallie married at Fort Riley, Kansas on November 25, 1953. After active duty he attended North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota where he graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics.  He started his career as a salesman for Hallmark Cards and moved to Wausau, WI.

In the mid-1960s, Dennis began working for Wisconsin Box Company where he worked as sales manager until his retirement in 1999.  Dennis was very active in the Wausau community. He was one of the founding members of the Wausau Breakfast Optimist Club, served on the City Council as Alderman from 1970-1972, and was a member of First Presbyterian Church for over 50 years where he served in a number of capacities including Elder, Deacon and Usher. He also volunteered for many other Wausau groups and activities throughout his life.  After his retirement from Wisconsin Box Company, Dennis worked part-time at Trig’s grocery store until 2013 where he was known by Trig’s customers for his friendliness and hugs.

Dennis and Sallie had four children, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many dear friends whom they considered family.  Throughout his life and even throughout his illness, he always had a smile and a hug to greet others, a whistle or a song in his step, a bad pun or joke to make others laugh, a generous spirit, and an adoration for children.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Sallie (2007).  Dennis is survived by his sister Patricia Gilbertson, Wayzata, MN, and children Stephanie (Mike) Secrest, Burnsville, MN, Scott (Toni) Maxson, Las Vegas, NV, Sherri (Jeff) Goodlove, Elgin, IL, and Jeff (Jeanene) Maxson, Rochester MN, and grandchildren Marissa Secrest, Jarod Maxson, Samantha Smoll, Tammy Maxson Davis, Jessie Maxson Gums, Emily McClennahan and  Zachary McClennahan.

Memorial service will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, June 30th at the First Presbyterian Church, 406 E Grant Street, Wausau.  The Reverend Joy Nelson-Jeffers will officiate. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service.  Committal will be at Restlawn Memorial Park with military rites to be rendered by representatives of the US Army and VFW Burns Post #388.   Brainard Funeral Home will be assisting with the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to First Presbyterian Church or the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Wisconsin Chapter. The family wishes to thank the doctors, especially Dr. Mark Richetto and his staff, the staff at Tender Reflections and Ministry Health Care Hospice for the loving care and support throughout their father’s illness and final days.