Maxine Yvonne Smith, age 90, of Dallas, WI, entered her eternal home on Thursday, June 19, 2025 in Barron, WI.

She was born on May 12, 1935 in Maple Grove, WI to Oscar and Margaret (Nelson) Snider. She attended schools all the way from Hillsdale to Racine, WI. The Second World War ended while we lived in Racine when I was nine. Maxine moved to Milwaukee with her friend Valoise (Amundson) Severude. We worked at an insurance company and moved back to Dallas, WI. She worked at Espeseth Cafe in Dallas and put herself through high school while staying with Bertha Gaare (Gram to me) for free room and board. Gram was crippled in a wheelchair and was a very special lady.

Maxine graduated from Barron High School in 1953, loved all her classmates, never missed a class reunion and still gets together with them. She was married to Donald Smith on June 12, 1954 in Dallas. Maxine also had her pilot's license, was store manager for Kohl’s, owned a gas station, worked for Russ’ Pancake House, and also owned and operated Rice Lake Speedway. Maxine opened up Maxine’s Family Restaurant on December 8, 1987 and opened and operated for over 37 years. She loved that establishment and all who worked for her and all the people who entered the door. All her employees were the best.

Maxine’s grandson, Bryan has been partners with her since 2012. He is doing a super job having graduated from UW Stout with a Bachelor Degree. Maxine graduated from the school of hard knocks. Maxine overcame many health challenges over the years and did it with a smile. She enjoyed traveling with her friend, Janet Knutson on the Home Spun Tours and traveled to China, Norway, Hawaii, Disney World and Washington DC. She enjoyed the Red Barn Theatre with her cousin, Barb Ackerson, Mel and Dennis Leuthner and her niece, Julie Wuorenma.

She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Donald Smith; the best mother to her 2 daughters, Debbie (Dale - who was always there when we needed him) Bisonette and Janelle (Brian - who was also a very nice son-in-law and special to us) Lansin; 6 grandchildren, Jamie (Kimberly), Alesha (Matt), Bryan (Sarah), Tiffany (Caleb), Kristal (Josh) and Jeffrey (Kayla); 15 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; many special nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Margaret Snider; stepfather, George St. Louis; a great granddaughter, Zoe; 3 brothers, Ellsworth “Bud” Snider and his wife, Lenore Rolstad, John St. Louis, his surviving wife, Janice and exwife, Sharon; Steven St. Louis and his wife, Christine; 2 sisters, Beverly (Garold) Busick and Janet (Chester) Esser.

Maxine loved life, loved her family deeply, was loved by all that ever met her and had the best positive attitude . Maxine never drank or smoked or caught a fish. If she would have caught a minnow it would be mounted and hung on the wall of the restaurant.

Funeral Services will be held at 11AM Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at the Dallas Lutheran Church in Dallas, WI, Rev. Bob Friese officiating, with interment in the Dallas Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3-7PM Monday at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI and for one hour prior to the Funeral Service at the church on Tuesday.

Last Update: Jun 20, 2025 7:22 am CDT