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Kutchanek, Maxine Ruth
Maxine Ruth Kutchanek, 89, of Belle Plaine, formerly of Chelsea, died Saturday, March 16, 2013, in her home surrounded by her family. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 21, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Chelsea by the Rev. Michael Mescher and Deacon Joe Behounek. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Hrabak Funeral Home in Belle Plaine, where there will be a Scripture service at 6:15 p.m.
She is survived by her husband of 69 years, George; daughters, Cherlyn Roberts of Irving, Connie (Jim) Anderson of Eldora and Colleen (Joe) Balvin of Elberon; grandchildren, Jackie (John) Novotny, Carey (Curt) Winter, Jared (Logan) Anderson, Amy (Steve) Lamberti, Logan (Brianne) Anderson, Melynda Balvin and Levi Anderson; great-grandchildren, Ethan Novotny, Derek Novotny, Kolby Winter, Kassidy Winter, Kiersten Winter, Ty Balvin, Maddy Lamberti, William Lamberti, Harper Anderson and Amelia Anderson; sister, Lorriane Musel of Chelsea; sisters-in-law, Betty Kalina of Denver, Colo., Gaynelle VanGampleare of Belle Plaine and Aletha Robinette of Marshalltown; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, J.J. Balvin; and her brothers, Cyril and Charles.
Maxine was born March 31, 1923, in Irving, to Charles and Julia Kozik Kalina. She graduated in 1941 from Belle Plaine High School. She married George Kutchanek Jr. on May 29, 1943, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Belle Plaine.
Maxine was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was the best baker of kolaches and rohlickys to which her greatness will never be achieved by her family. As a farm wife, she enjoyed her large garden and after moving to town she spent much time with her beautiful flowers. In the fall she couldn't wait for harvest to come so she could sort corn. Sunday was a day of enjoying their time together at the casino.
Wonderful memories of Maxine will live on in the hearts of everyone she left behind.
A special thank you and blessing to the Hospice Compassus nurses Susan and Jeani for their compassionate care.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at under “obituaries.”
Published in The Gazette March 19, 2013.
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