Maxine Ellen Palmer, 91, of Redfield, SD, died Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at the Eastern Star Home in Redfield.

Funeral services will be Monday, June 22, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the Methodist Church in Redfield. Pastor Brian Wasmoen will officiate.

Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery in Redfield.


Visitation will be Sunday, from 2-8:00 p.m. with an Eastern Star Service at 7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. (www.thelenfuneralhome.com)

Maxine was born December 16, 1917, in Spink County, SD, to John and Alice Welke. Maxine attended school in Tulare and graduated from Redfield School in 1935. On June 12, 1938, she married Blaine Bancroft in Redfield, SD. They had one son, Dan, born in 1944. Maxine loved her time with her family and friends. She spent a great portion of her life working in downtown Redfield and is best remembered for her "eye for fashion" while working at Kenny's Apparel. Maxine was well known for her ability to know exactly what fashion was the best style for her customers. She thrived on being with people and her years in selling fashion.

Maxine and Blaine enjoyed many years of entertaining family and friends at their lakeside cabin on Cottonwood Lake. Family time in raising their son included creating many activities with fishing, waterskiing, cookouts, and "lazy summer days" with friends. She often shared stories and memories of these special times.

Following Blaine's death in 1969, Maxine continued to live in Redfield until 1974 when she moved to Aberdeen, SD, where she worked at Pred's. In 1977 Maxine married Dwight Palmer and moved to Mellette, SD. Her joy of working with people evolved to volunteer work in her early retirement. She volunteered at Midland Hospital Gift Shop as a member of the Auxilary. In 1999 Maxine moved with her husband to the Eastern Star Independent Living Apartments in Redfield, SD, where they later became residents of the Eastern Star Home. Her passion for people became even more evident as she lovingly assumed the role of "care-giver" for Dwight and other residents of the home. What she was no longer able to do physically for others was more than compensated for with emotional support and friendship. She never wanted to be a burden to anyone and was so thankful to anyone who assisted her.

Maxine was incredibly proud of her beloved son, grandchildren and in later years her great-grandchildren. Often traveling to the Black Hills to be with them for special events and Holidays. The joy and loving care she bestowed on them created a chain of love, linking the past to the future. Her generousity, quick wit, laughter, and spirit of fun have been lovingly enjoyed and handed down through the generations.

The communities and people she lived amongst were special to her and she was involved as a member of the Eastern Star, Legion Auxilary, Midland Hospital Auxilary, and United Methodist Church.

Maxine is survived by her son Dan (Carol) Bancroft, Rapid City, SD; grandchildren Lisa (Curtis) Schmuck and their children Chandler and Hunter, Spearfish, SD, Ross Bancroft, Spearfish, SD, and Jennifer (Loyal) Schmidt and their son Harley, Fort Collins, CO. She is also survived by three brothers, Clayton (Helen) Welke, Wilbur (Jean) Welke, and Donald (Joyce) Welke, all of Redfield, SD. Also, serveral nieces and nephews and special friend of many years Pam Schmidt, and her Eastern Star family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Blaine; her parents; and her second husband, Dwight.