Maxine Gabrych

MAXINE E. GABRYCH

Maxine E. Gabrych, age 94, of Winona, passed away on Friday, July 28, 2017, at her home.

She was born on March 4, 1923, in Winona, to Maximilian and Clara (Masyga) Grochowski.  She was united in marriage with Elmer Gabrych on February 3, 1945, at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Winona, and Elmer preceded her in death on October 5, 2010.

Maxine honorably served her country with the United States Navy WAVES during World War II.  She was incredibly proud to have been part of breaking the Japanese code.

Maxine also did a lot of knitting and counted cross stitch.  There are many people around the area with her baby afghans and cross-stitched towels!  She also loved sending out cards for all holidays.

She was employed for 32 years with Standard Lumber Company as a bookkeeper and cashier until her retirement.

Maxine was a member of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka where she was active with singing in the adult and funeral choirs.  She was also a member of Harvest House, the Winona County History Center, and she was a volunteer with the Winona Health Auxiliary.

Maxine is lovingly survived by her children: Michael (Donna) Gabrych, Titusville, FL; Amy (Timmie) Ernst, Fountain City, WI; grandchildren: Mark (Jaren) Gabrych, Kevin (Liz) Gabrych; and Jessica Ernst (Andrew Votava); great grandchildren: Nolan and Macie Gabrych, as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband; grandson, Ben Ernst; parents; brother: Robert Grochowski; and her sisters: Phyllis Malotka and Mary Brown.

The family wishes to thank Winona Hospice for all their support and a special thanks to Maxine’s “girls” for their love and care.

Visitation will be held at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home on Sunday, August 13, 2017, from 2 PM until 4 PM, where Harvest House will lead a prayer service at 3:45 PM.  Visitation will also be held at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka on Monday, August 14, 2017, from 9 AM until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM.  The Reverend Monsignor Thomas J. Hargesheimer will officiate.

Following the Mass, the American Legion Leon J. Wetzel Post 9 of Winona will provide military honors outside of the Basilica.

Maxine will be laid to rest in Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Mark and Kevin Gabrych; Chris and Scott Malotka; Tim Brown, and Dave Fogarty.

Memorials may be directed to Maxine’s favorite charities:  Winona Humane Society, Winona Historical Society, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Maxine’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.