Maxine A. Pekkala

Maxine A. Pekkala, 90, passed into the hands of God Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Born Feb. 19, 1930, to Anna Radofski and Robert Micham, she was one of their 13 children. Maxine was a lifelong resident of Traverse City, born and raised.

In 1950 she married Guy E. Fowler, and together they had two children, Robinette (Ronald) Smith and Lonnie (Jack) Chrestensen, both of Traverse City. In 1971 she married James Pekkala, and became the self-proclaimed "wicked step-mother" to Wicked # 1, Cindy Pekkala, of Interlochen, Wicked # 2, Carol (Robert) Snow, and "Crabson," Craig Pekkala, both of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Maxine was so proud of her grandchildren Aaron Smith, Brie (Brock) Widrig, Adam Chrestensen, Whitney (Mike) Wooster and Thomas Snow, but her greatest joy was being "Gigi" to her great-grandchildren, Oliver, Jackson, Crosby, Cole, Harper Grace and Riley. Connie and Buck, Maxine's niece and nephew, were loved and treasured as if they were her own.

She loved to garden and took great pride in her gardens and fish pond, inviting anyone to come visit and enjoy as much as she did. She was extremely proud of her many handmade quilts and numerous other crafts she enjoyed.

Maxine was a lifelong member of St. Francis Catholic Church, and she
especially loved her time as a volunteer with Chapel on Sundays. Maxine worked for many years behind the counter at Kresges, and connected with many business people during those years. Later she worked in the cafeteria at NMC, often inviting foreign exchange students to her home for holiday dinners.

Accepting to a fault and loved by many, she will be greatly missed.
Godspeed, we love you.

Maxine's family would like to thank Heartland Hospice for their excellent care and support, and a special thank you to Kari, her hospice nurse. You were there when we needed you most. Also, thank you to Fred Szczepanski, for the beautiful gift of his singing Ave Maria to mom, a moment we will treasure forever.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM, Wednesday, June 24, at Maxine's beloved parish home of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Traverse City. Maxine will be laid to rest in Traverse City's Oakwood Cemetery following Mass.


Maxine would be so proud if you chose a charity of choice or Heartland Hospice, 333 N. Summit St., P.O. Box 10086, Toledo, OH 43699 to make a donation in her honor.

Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services is caring for Maxine and her family. www.reynoldsjonkhoff.com