In her memoirs, Maurine wrote fondly of her childhood in rural South Dakota, recalling her joy in walking to a small country school, splashing in puddles of melted snow, and searching for bluebells blooming in the ditches. Her deep faith in God was nurtured early by her mother teaching her bedtime prayers and her own lifelong love for Jesus, which began with her baptism at age 13.
For highschool, Maurine attended Plainview Academy in Redfield, South Dakota, where she met her high school love and first husband, Lee. Their love story began over breakfast her freshman year and continued as they attended Union College together, marrying shortly thereafter on August 18, 1957. Maurine described her fondness for Lee as, “love at first sight”. They welcomed their son, Scott, on April 27, 1961, and their daughter, Jodie, on July 7, 1963, completing their family. Maurine took great pride in her children and treasured the additions of Scott’s wife, Crystal, and Jodie’s husband, Steve, as well as her beloved six grandchildren. After Lee’s passing on December 18, 1991, Maurine leaned on her faith, writing, “God gave me strength for each day and I have had many blessings along the way. He has not failed me yet.”
In 2011, Maurine reached out to a former schoolmate, Everett Schlisner, in what she described as an uncharacteristic act of boldness. Their connection blossomed, and they married on January 1, 2012. Together, they shared joyous summers in the Southern Black Hills of South Dakota and winters in Ooltewah, Tennessee, cherishing each other’s companionship.
A world traveler, Maurine was grateful for the opportunity to visit all fifty states and countries around the globe, including Israel, Egypt, Ireland, China, and Italy. She often reflected on her life, grounded in faith and filled with love for her family and friends. In October 2021, Maurine moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, to be closer to her children and grandchildren, cherishing the precious time spent with them in her later years.
Maurine is survived by her children, Scott (Crystal) Allen and Jodie (Steve) Trana, both of Lincoln, NE; her grandchildren Mitch (Cody Martin) Allen, Hilary (Bryce) Peschel, Kate (Max Tierney) Trana, Brett (Jessica) Trana, Elena Trana, and Cort Trana; her sister-in-law, Bonnie Eder and nephews Jeffrey (Dana) Eder and Justin Eder, her beloved Allen family of in-laws Carol, Fauna, Joanne, Jim, and Ernie Unruh and all of her well-loved nieces and nephews.
The family will hold a private interment ceremony at College View Cemetery on December 1, 2024. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to her favorite charities in Lincoln, Christian Record Services for the Blind at [christianrecord.org] or the Arbor Day Foundation at [arborday.org]. Or donations to the Dementia Society of America are also greatly appreciated.
Maurine will be remembered for her enduring faith and love for family which inspired all who were fortunate to know her.