Edith "Maxine" (Randall) Walte

Edith “Maxine” Walte, 87, of Keokuk, passed away on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at Keosauqua Health Care Center in Keosauqua, Iowa.

Maxine was born on December 2, 1936, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Pearl E. and Frances (Harrison) Randall. In 1975, she was united in marriage to Elwin Walte in Quincy, Illinois. He preceded her in death on September 12, 2016.

Maxine was a member of St Paul United Church of Christ in Keokuk and was employed as a clerk at County Market. Later she owned a daycare center in her home. Maxine was passionate about cooking, and her family fondly remembers family gatherings around her table, especially enjoying her homemade fudge and root beer floats. Her door was always open, and strangers and friends alike were welcome whenever they needed her compassionate help. Maxine never knew a stranger, and welcomed many foster children in to her home throughout the years.

Maxine is survived by six children: Richard (Linda) Gates of the Philippines, Steve Gates of Keokuk, Kim (Tim) Schilson of Basco, Tonya (Jon) Mulkey of Florida, Margaret Walte of Lomax and Patricia Jaeger of New York; her brother Robert (Claudia) Randall of Rapid City, South Dakota; her sister Janet Bode of Keokuk; her brother-in-law Donald Boecker of Keokuk; ten grandchildren: Sarah and Richard Gates, Matthew Gates, Danielle (Matthew) Finin, Christina (Mark) Bousselot, Lindsey (Scott) Gooding, Tyler Schilson, Blake and Corynn Mulkey and Austin Korschgen; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and foster children.

Maxine is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Elwin, her infant daughter Katrina Gates, her sister Karen Boecker and brother-in-law Dean Bode.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home in Keokuk, with burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Keokuk. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 to 11 am on Thursday directly before the service.

Memorials may be directed to K-Play in Keokuk.

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