Maxine E. Lenker

Maxine Elaine (Kirschbaum) Lenker, age 78, passed away at home on Monday, April 7, 2025.

She was born in Rockford, IL on January 21, 1947, the daughter of Max H. and Florence (Galbraith) Kirschbaum. Maxine graduated from East High School in Rockford, Class of 1965. She then began her working career in the family’s business, CarMax, which later became K & M Tooling. Maxine also worked for FedEx and then followed her great passion to travel the world, as she became a flight attendant for American Airlines and later for Ryan International. She also worked for Aqua-Aerobics Systems Inc. and retired from the Rockford VA Clinic. Maxine’s strong faith and connection to her community was most evident as a lifetime member of St. Rita Catholic Church, where she was heavily involved in numerous church organizations. She also attended St. Peter Catholic Church in South Beloit. Maxine was a talented artist and enjoyed spending her free time making beautiful flower arrangements, which she learned from one of her first jobs as a florist. Above all else, she cherished the time spent with her dear family and friends, creating unforgettable memories. Maxine will be dearly missed.

Surviving relatives include her husband, Michael Lenker; 2 sons, Tom and Matt Grimes; sister, Harriet Retzke, 1 brother, several nieces, sister-in-law, Kris Lenker and many special friends. She is predeceased by her parents and a niece, Michele Thorn.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Dr. Rockford, IL 61109. The burial will conclude in Arlington Memorial Park, Rockford, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Maxine’s name to St. Rita Catholic Church in Rockford or St. Peter Catholic Church in South Beloit.

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