Maxine Adell Vieth, 85, of Norwalk passed away Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, at the Morrow Home in Sparta.
She was born Dec. 26, 1928, to John and Hazel (Pitkins) Hutchens in Ontario. She was united in marriage to Merlin Vieth on April 20, 1948.
In addition to happily sharing with the daily life and chores on the farm, after their marriage, Maxine also worked various jobs, including work at Tillman’s Produce in Wilton, Decomet in Sparta and the WI Child Care Center in Sparta. Maxine’s main hobby was a lifetime passion of hand quilting. More than 70 full-sized quilts, all hand sewn, reside with her children and grandchildren. She also displayed many of her works at local shows and festivals.
She enjoyed photography and traveling to many of the local trails and state and national parks to hike and to bird-watch. When not busy with her hands, Maxine was an avid reader and member of the Norwalk mystery-book club. After losing her vision, she continued on with audio books. Her personal library consisted of thousands of titles.
Merlin and her children also wish to mention Mom’s home-cooking abilities. Homemade bread recipes and countless cookie and cake recipes are still being enjoyed by the families.
She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Merlin; six children, Suzanne (Darrell) Zietlow of Norwalk, Marlene Vieth of Sierra Vista, Ariz., Peggy (Patrick) Casey of Jefferson City, Mo., Stephen Vieth of Norwalk, James (Mary) Vieth of Tomah and Brenda Manley of Norwalk; 11 grandchildren, Michael Zietlow of Norwalk, Jeanne (Larry) Stark of Sparta, Andrea (Duane) Brownlee of Caledonia, Minn., Emily Vieth of La Crosse, Brett Casey of Chicago, Brandon (Elizabeth) Casey of Jefferson City, Mo., Rachel Smith of Holmen, Elizabeth (Bryant) Olsen of La Crosse, Eliza and Justin Manley of Norwalk and Colt Manley of Ontario; and nine great-grandchildren, James, Shane, Dustin and Laura Stark, Peyton and Joshua Zietlow, Landen Summers and Carter Brownlee.
She is further survived by her sisters, Fern Ferris of Ontario, Ruth Rynes of Sparta and Kathy (Larry) Fletcher of Onalaska; many nieces and nephews; her sisters-in-law, Betty Hutchens of Ontario and Eileen Vieth of Kenosha; her brothers-in-law, Don Jones of Ontario and Marvin (Elly) Vieth of Lake Bluff, Ill.; and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Hazel Hutchens; a sister, Ruby Jones; a brother, Larry Hutchens; a great-grandchild, Carlie Stark; and her brothers-in-law, Douglas Ferries, James Rynes and Milton Vieth.
Funeral services will at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 2, at Salem Immanuel United Methodist Church in Norwalk. Pastor Theresa Amberson will officiate. Burial will follow in the Wanderer’s Rest Cemetery. Family and friends are invited for visitation Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
The Torkelson Page-Smith Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. The family would like to thank the Morrow Memorial Home and staff for the excellent care provided for Maxine. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
