Maxine F (Shank) Seeks Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Maxine F. (Shank) Seeks, age 78, of Cedar Falls, Iowa who passed away on July 5, 2024 at Allen Hospital in Waterloo Iowa. She was born on September 3, 1945 to James Bernard and Faye Ellen (Herron) Shank. Maxine had 5 brothers and 4 sisters. She graduated from East High School in Des Moines, IA. Maxine was married to Richard Seeks, later divorced sharing two children, Dan Seeks (Michelle), Wendy Brown (Allan), 8 grandchildren, Tyler Brown (Jen), Lexi Dubinski (Sherrie), Regan Brown, Gage Stoneman-Parker (Celeste), Kayla Lamasky (Cory), Colin Seeks, Aidan Seeks, Allayna Brown and 3 great-grandchildren, Kellan Brown, Jett Brown, Aubree Dubinski.
Maxine loved her entire family and was a devoted mother and grandmother. She never missed a birthday, holiday or special event. Family was the most important thing to her throughout her entire life. Maxine lived a life of giving to and taking care of others. First as a stay home mother and later in the service industry. As a driver for Cozy Van she transported people near and far to their appointments. Maxine had the gift of gab which allowed her to bond with all of the patients she drove around, even the cranky ones. Maxine always said “sometimes people are just cranky because they have no one to talk to.” Maxine rarely arrived empty handed because during those conversations something would always come up where she would know what to bring the next time to brighten their day.
Maxine was always a hard worker and as she got older it became obvious she should retire from delivering patients to their appointments as her own safety of pushing wheelchairs especially in the winter was a concern. However, Maxine could not stay still so retirement was not in the cards. She accepted a role with A.W. Companies where she sent welcome packages, birthday cards, and employee appreciation gifts to all of the employees. This was a natural fit for her as she was able to continue to give to others. Maxine worked all the way up until she passed.
Maxine was an amazing cook/baker and made enough to feed an army. She never wanted anyone to go without and taught us it was better to make too much than not enough. If you ever make too much there is always someone to share it with. Her soups, casseroles, cookies, candies, ice cream and especially her lemonade will forever be remembered by all of those who knew her.
It cannot be left out that Maxine was a bit of a comedian. She was the life of the party and the one to watch out for. There was never a dull moment when Maxine was in attendance. You never knew exactly what she was up to but there was always good old clean fun (mostly clean) to be had. Even at the very end she had all of the doctors and nurses laughing.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Pat Morgan, John Shank, Sam Shank, George Shank, Jim Shank, her sisters, Susan Biggart and Irene Scheuermann.
She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, many nieces and nephews, along with her sisters Betty Shank and Isai Sipe (John).
Maxine will be remembered for the laughter she brought to others and the kindness she showed to all. A service celebrating Maxine’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 21st at Cedar Falls Community Center located at 528 Main Street, Cedar Falls, IA, with a luncheon following.
