Obituary of Maxine Virginia Francis Leske

9/13/1936 (Somerset, WI) - 12/4/2017 (Stillwater, MN) Preceded in death by her parents, Edgar "Nig" and Lena (Vanasse) Johnson; Godparents, Olivine (Vanasse) Johnson and Thomas Vanasse; husband of nearly 32 years, John Ernest Leske (1996); brother, Marold Johnson (1982); sister, Shirley Johnson (2007); and many more dear relatives and friends. Survived by daughter, LeeAnn Leske; sister-in-law, Marguerite (Kelly) Johnson; 7 nieces and nephews, Pamela, Kathryn, Mark, Karen, Susan (Goddaughter), Linda, and Paul; 2 double first cousins, Brian Johnson and Corinne (Johnson) Martin; and many more dear relatives and friends. Maxine was a devoted and loving wife to John and a wonderful mother to LeeAnn. She had a unique way of sharing little creative, thoughtful and generous acts of kindness toward many. She was patriotic, and she was proud of her brother for serving our country. Maxine was born at Riverdale, on the property in Somerset that is now the River's Edge. She attended St. Anne School, and spent multiple summers in Glenview, IL, with her Uncle Earl, Aunt Olivine, and cousins, Brian and Corinne. She graduated from Somerset High School in 1954 and, after helping her dad at his grocery store for a time, she set out with friends to experience California near her Aunt Yvonne (Vanasse) Covy and cousins, Jack and Rosanne. From there, she enjoyed independence in Fort Lauderdale, FL. She was moving back home to be closer to her mother after her dad's passing when John Leske sent some business patrons across the street to assist her with unloading her car and carrying items to their family home, an upstairs apartment in a brick building that still stands on Spring Street. That led to a first date at the Rendezvous, dates in Saint Paul (when she was working for the Saint Paul Pioneer Press), and dates at the MSP airport (her idea). Howard Leverty and DiAnne (Shay) Prodoehl stood up for them at their wedding at St. Anne Church on 11/7/1964. LeeAnn was born 8/17/1965. John and Maxine owned and operated local businesses (Johnny's Tap Room, The Village Market, and 1/7 of Float-rite Park), and they clearly enjoyed time together at home and about. She worked in a gift shop in Stillwater to surprise John and LeeAnn with a family vacation to Hawaii. Maxine inspired John to see some of the USA, and John teased Maxine with trips in his pickup truck to the town dump and small local cafés. Hopefully their fun-loving relationship and her thoughtful gestures toward others will serve as examples for many. A Chiari Malformation and resulting Syringomyelia made walking and swallowing increasingly difficult. Maxine was not able to enjoy independence in her last 21 months, but she and her daughter had a lifetime of laughs making do. Arrangements pre-planned by the Cremation Society of Minnesota. Private service, per her wishes, at St. Anne Cemetery in Somerset, WI.