Maxine M. Biteler

On Saturday, August 16, 2025, Maxine Mae Biteler passed away peacefully and was lovingly welcomed by the Lord. A gentle soul, Maxine touched the lives of many with her grace, warmth and quiet strength. Whether preparing a home-cooked meal for her family or playing cards with her grandchildren, she gave freely of herself - always with patience, bringing joy and laughter to those around her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to those she held dear. Her memory will live on in countless lives she enriched simply by being herself.

Maxine was born on December 16, 1943, in Chester, South Dakota, to Otto and Grace (Wagnitz) Laisy. She grew up in Madison, South Dakota, and graduated high school in 1961.

On December 30, 1961, Maxine married the love of her life, Dean Biteler. They first made their home in Sioux Valley, Minnesota, before settling in Humboldt in 1968 where they raised their three daughters. A few years after Dean’s death in 2007, Maxine moved to Denver, Colorado, to be near her daughter Brenda and four grandchildren. She returned to Humboldt in 2021 and later moved to Clive in 2023.

Maxine shared her faith as a devoted member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. She was always giving back, whether it be teaching Sunday School or guiding young girls as a Girl Scout leader. She and Dean treasured their card club and evenings playing Yahtzee with neighbors. The annual family camping trip became a cherished tradition, creating memories her children will carry forever. Above all, Maxine found joy in baking—especially sugar cookies and scotcheroos—crafting, and playing games with her grandchildren.

She dedicated many years to providing daycare for the children of fellow teachers and later worked at W&H Coop, Humboldt Family Medicine, and Messingham Orthodontics in Arvada, Colorado.

Maxine is survived by her daughters, Tracey (Greg) Weber of Waukee, IA; Kim Felker of Walnut Creek, CA; and Brenda (Jason) Messingham of Arvada, CO; seven grandchildren: Nate and Alyssa Weber, Zane Felker, and Jakob, Gage, Taryn, and Rhegan Messingham; her sister, Carmen Metzer of Mountain Home, ID; and brothers, Melvin Laisy of Wahkon, MN, Lyman Laisy of Madison, SD and Jim Laisy of Kentucky and Dennnis Laisy of Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband Dean, her parents, and brothers Samuel and Norman Laisy.

Graveside services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, at Union Cemetery in Humboldt. The Mason-Lindhart Funeral & Cremation Service is entrusted with the arrangements (www.masonlindhart.com). In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Maxine by donating to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at give.michaeljfox.org.