Maxine Eris Gilman was born on July 4, 1925 to Clyde and Helena (Halvorson) Gilman in Lyman County and proved to be a firecracker for 99 years. She passed away on November 29, 2024 at Avantara Nursing Home in Huron, SD. A memorial gathering to celebrate Maxine's life will be held at Al's Oasis in Oacoma/Chamberlain, SD on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 1-5 pm. The family invites you for a time of food and fellowship.

Maxine married Dale M Koch in Watertown, SD on June 8, 1946. They met shortly after Dale returned to Huron, SD from the Korean War. Dale was a Wolsey, SD boy and Maxine had come to Huron to finish High School grades from her country Gilman School K-8. She had lived with her married sister, Norma and her husband until she graduated. Sadly, Maxine and her family lost Dale September 15th, 2001. They were blessed with over 50 years together.

Maxine was from a family of eleven on the Gilman Homestead in Lyman County where the family raised cattle, horses and chickens. And at times you could see a few sheep and a couple of pigs. Maxine had a pet pig when she was young. Maxine's family was a lovable group of six sisters, three brothers and her parents: Iva and Gilbert Hoffert of Illinois, Vera and Oscar Garnes of Presho, SD, Alice and Hal Everett of Minnesota, Walter (Bud) Gilman of Kennebec, SD, Norma and Orville Shanholtz of Colorado, Twyla and Joseph Arnesberg of Kennebec, SD, Wendell and Ardene Gilman of Kennebec, SD and Darrel Gilman of Chamberlain, SD.

Maxine and Dale had three children. Kaye and Frank Lasagna of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Terry Koch of Huron, SD, and Krista and James Wiedenman of Huron, SD and family was added to each with grandchildren. Kaye with Eric Lasagna (whom we lost at 27 years old). Kevin and Irene Lasagna of Port St. Lucie, FL and Kristin Lasagna of Port St. Lucie, FL (and a daughter lost at birth). Terry with Sean Koch of North Pole, AK and Cody and Heather Koch of Fairbanks, AK. And Kris with Jaime and Justin Tiff of Aberdeen, SD and Kelsey Wiedenman of Sydney, Australia. Great grandchildren Cody and Trish Lasagna of Florida, Kai and Claudia of North Dakota and Seaera Lasagna of Florida (Kaye), Bridger and Raschelle Koch of Alaska, Mateya Koch, Dalton Koch and Cynara Koch of Alaska (Terry) and Braden Tiff of Aberdeen, SD (Kris).

Maxine and Dale loved trips back to the Ranch whenever there were times family was back visiting. There were reunions big or small, weddings and funerals or just when mom was missing the Ranch. She loved riding horses and exploring old buildings. And she was always dressed for it. Out would come her boots, hat, bandana, western belt and jeans. Uncle Bud regaled us with stories of old times and take up to Medicine Creek where we would find Native Artifacts. The stories were told with corncob pipe and cookies. The ranch was a magical place for all of us. Mom was known to accept competitions from her brothers and giggle with her sisters when they got into "pickles"often. Terry worked a couple of summers which brought us back to family area for "play days" then on weekends. Play days filled with rodeo style pole and barrel races and calf roping. State Fair was always fun. And when Maxine lived in Rapid City for seven years, she owned her own horse. It's hard to say to if mom had any one thing that she favored over another. She loved it all! She would wear beautiful dresses to cocktail parties or formal dances with our dad. Dad would surprise her in the house and they would two-step in the living room. She proved herself over and over with golfing and bowling! Maxine loved everything nature. She could be in Colorado, Montana, Alaska, or South Dakota mountains hiking and enjoying the world around her. She might be spelunking in caves, white water rafting, driving a 4-wheeler, snowmobiling or fishing. She loved finding rocks of all sizes. And walked around Lake Ravine four days a week for over fifteen years.

Maxine and Dale were very community positive. They helped bring culture and fun to Huron. They worked for their church which Maxine continued into her 80's. She was a Girl and Boy Scout Leader and served in PTA, Jaycees, Huron Country Club, Huron College and led a women's exercise group until she was 90. She supported her kids and grandkids for plays, music in any form, sports, and ballet.Maxine worked for Beadle County after graduation and then proudly joined the Navy. When she reached Minnesota with the other W.A.V.E.recruits they were informed the war was over. She received an Honorable Discharge and remained a proud firecracker. She worked for Huron College for 25 years and enjoyed everything. Her job in Admissions, sports, plays, roller skating (until she broker her wrist) leading the cheerleaders and taking art classes.

Mom loved to travel in and out of the United States. This included a trip to Scotland, Ireland, Norway and England with a sister. She alternated trips to Florida and Alaska to see family in her older years. Maxine was a beautiful, intelligent, fashionable, painter, athlete, that loved her family fiercely, loved to travel, but could relax with a good book, or be seen doing a daily crossword in pen. She wanted to express her love to her new great, great grandchild Lilith and her many many nieces and nephews.

Memorials can be offered to the Huron Public Library, Huron Congregational Church and National Parks.