It is with great sadness that we announce the passing away of our mother and grandmother, Maxine Bernadine Close. Maxine Close, age 90, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. She was born January 13, 1933, and was the only daughter of J.S. and Emma Hines, and had five older brothers. Maxine married Mike Close in the fall of 1951, and together they raised seven beautiful children.

Maxine was employed by the United States Postal Service, and worked as a clerk in Ellsworth office for over 25 years before retiring. Maxine greeted everyone at the post office with a smile and a friendly hello. Maxine and Mike loved to road trip across the country during their retirement together.

Maxine was a long-standing member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Ellsworth. Maxine was known as an excellent cook, a wonderful baker, and an avid coffee lover. She had a keen sense for business and managed her household well. Maxine loved to play cards and was a regular at the casino. Maxine had a standing casino date every Monday with her Brother Lester. Most of all Maxine had many friends and family that enjoyed her company. She loved visiting and meeting new people. In her later years, Maxine had several health issues, but faced them with a positive attitude. Maxine spent her better years living with her daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Brent Spriggle, as well as their two children, Chloe and Reegan. Maxine was surrounded by friends and family during her last days.

Maxine is survived by her 7 children, Catherine Salsman, Joan (Bob) Olbrich, Joe (Lori) Close, Patrick (Cheryl) Close, Jeanette (Mark) Helm, Martha (Allen) Bronniche and Mary (Brent) Spriggle. She is also survived by her 15 grandchildren, Amber Stevens, Jonathan Olbrich, Lucas Olbrich, Rachel Kern, Matthew Close, Joshua Close, Leah Saulf, Christopher Close, Colleen Close Ryan Fulton, Paul Fulton, Katie Klinger, Courtney Brandon, Chloe Spriggle, and Reegan Spriggle, and her 19 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mike Close, her parents J.S. & Emma Hines, her 5 brothers and their spouses, Bernard (Jerry) Hines, Walt (Avis) Hines, Dick (Doris) Hines, Lenny (Helen) Hines, and Lester (Joyce) Hines.

A funeral for Maxine will be held at 12:00PM (Noon) Friday, December 22, 2023 at St. Francis Catholic Church: 231 W Woodworth Street, Ellsworth, WI. 54011. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. The visitation will be at 5pm-8pm on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at O’Connell Family Funeral Home: 130 North Grant Street, Ellsworth, WI. 54011, and 1 hour before the funeral at St Francis Catholic Church. Sadly, two days after Maxine’s passing, her son Patrick Close passed away unexpectedly. Memorials are preferred to the discretion of the family.

Services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth, www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com, 715-273-4421.