On March 2, 2019, the world lost Barry Maxson, whose sharp wit and wisdom made people better for having known him. An intensely private man, if you knew anything about what he was up to, he really liked and trusted you. If he hid anything from you, it happened either for your own good or because he didn’t want to brag.
However, we would love to brag about this wonderful man. Although he wouldn’t admit to it, he led a pretty interesting life. He retired from the School District of Lomira after 21 years teaching English.
They gave him a great send off with well-deserved teasing and heartfelt appreciation at a touching retirement party. Before that, he taught in a few additional districts. His students who paid attention–most did–became better writers, communicators and actors, due to his dedicated teaching.
Like his father before him, he tried his hand as a small business owner, operating the Maxson Paint Store in beautiful downtown Waupaca. While transitioning back to teaching after a few years at the store, he commissioned John W. Kirk to write a play on Martin Luther’s life. In order to make an income while renewing his teaching license, he memorized the 61 pages of that script to perform the one-man play, “Martin Luther: Apostle of Defiance” for churches throughout Wisconsin.
He created his own set and lighting for these performances. In his spare time, when not providing for his family, he helped refugee families find a new life in America; mentored future engineers, teachers and pilots; hosted fabulous porch parties; played a mean game of bridge; acted in community theater; read countless fiction and non-fiction books; supported politicians who earned his vote; and served his church congregation in inspiring ways too numerous to list here. Survived by many people who loved him, Jane Maxson (nee Downing) became the woman he endeavored to marry when he first met her in his hometown of Spirit Lake, Iowa during the summer of 1966.
By the last day of 1966, they took the plunge and they began a lifetime of adventure. These adventures primarily occurred in Wisconsin. They spent most of their 52 years of married life in Waupaca, Wisconsin.
His two rather large adopted sons, Michael and Timothy also survive him, grateful he accepted the challenge of raising them with his wife. He is also survived by his two daughters-in-law, Diane (wife of Michael) and Misty (wife of Timothy), who are fairly pleased with the men he raised for them to marry. Additionally, Barry is survived by four Maxson grandchildren: Ethan, Claudia, Bradyen and Emmerson.
He is further survived by his sister, Barbara, who lived a few blocks from him for a few years before moving back to their hometown. In addition, he leaves behind other in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends who benefited from his wisdom and wit, eventually learning to take him seriously about half the time. Those preceding him in death tell the story of his wisdom.
His infant sister, Marjorie, was tragically struck down by pneumonia due to rationing of antibiotics during World War II. His son, John Barritt Maxson, succumbed to cancer before reaching two years of age. His grandson, Timothy Ahrens Maxson, Junior (TJ) was lost due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
He also lost his mother as a young adult and his father much later. He helped his wife through the loss of her mom and dad, using his experience of grief to help others with theirs. Throughout a lifetime of heart-wrenching tragic losses, he maintained a strong faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ and shared that faith with others.
We wish he was around to help us now, but he did a great job of modeling how to move forward in faith and trust in God’s plans. Please join us in celebrating Barry’s life on March 7th at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waupaca. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM with a service following at 11:30 AM.
After the service, you are welcome to join us for a lunch served at the church. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Barry Maxson please visit our Sympathy Store.
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