Maxine I. Kawell

Maxine Isabell Kawell, age 101, passed away on Monday, June 5, 2023 at Dove Healthcare in Bloomer.  She was born on January 29, 1922 to Merle and Wilma (Butcher) Calkins in Rusk county. She had four siblings Norman and Joseph Calkins, Edith Breed, and Infant brother Edward, all who preceded her in death.  Maxine attended rural schools and graduated from Tomah High School in 1941.  During the War years she worked for Western Electric in Chicago,  a highly censored war production.  She married Lt. Maurice Olson in 1944. He was killed in October of that year while serving his country as a navigator on a B-24 in Europe.  She married Norman Kawell on November 27, 1948 in Evanston IL.  He served his country during WWII in the Signal Corp in the Pacific Theatre.  They had 60 years of devoted marriage until Norman’s death in 2008.  They lived in Chicago for 10 years and then purchased Kawell Ford & Mercury Dealership in New London.  After retirement they spent their winters in Florida and summers at their home on Clear Lake.  In 2002 they moved to Bloomer, where they enjoyed the camaraderie of many friends. 

Maxine and Norman worked together at the Kawell Ford/Mercury dealership and they also played together, enjoying golfing, hunting, fishing and dancing.   Now they are reunited together and the best is yet to come. 

Maxine was so thankful for all her family, friends, caregivers, nurses, and doctors that she had over the years.   

A memorial service will be held at First United Congregational Church of Christ in Bloomer at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 16, 2023, with a visitation one hour before service at the church.  Olson Funeral Home and Cremation is assisting the family.  Online Condolences may be expressed at olsonfuneralhomebloomer.com   Please direct memorials to the First Congregational UCC or The Alzheimer’s Association.