Maxine A. (Harris) Schoettger

Maxine A. (Harris) Schoettger, 89, of Springview, NE and later, Ainsworth NE, passed away Monday, December 29, 2025 at the Sandhills Care Center in Ainsworth. Maxine, daughter of Cecil J. and Katherine M. (Legband) Harris, was born in her home on December 8, 1936 near Dodge, NE in Colfax County. The Harris family moved to Keya Paha County in 1947. Maxine began attending Springview School District #56 in the 5th grade, later graduating from Keya Paha County High School in 1954. After graduating high school, Maxine taught school for one year at the Guide Rock School of Springview for 1st through 8th grade students.

Maxine married Kevin D. Schoettger in 1955 at the old Methodist church in Springview. During their early years of marriage they lived in Springview. They later moved out to August “Gus” and Edna (Sloan) Schoettger’s ranch, 5½ miles northwest of Springview in the spring of 1962. They had three children, Connie, Rodney and David that were all born in Ainsworth.

Over the years, Maxine was busy as a homemaker. She enjoyed working in the hayfield with the rest of the family and Kevin said no one could run the rake like she could. In the early years, Maxine made most of her children’s clothing. For many years, every spring, she cleaned a hundred broiler chickens. She enjoyed growing a big garden, which involved canning and freezing lots of vegetables and fruits. Maxine and Kevin were longtime members of the Burton Assembly of God Church. She enjoyed teaching the pre-school children there on Sundays. She was also the treasurer of the Women’s Ministry at the church. She loved making and collecting angels as a hobby. She also loved to crochet, make crafts of all kinds and made many beautiful quilts. She played volleyball in high school and carried that interest into cheering for the lady Husker volleyball team over the years.

The last 2½ years, Maxine and Kevin have lived at Cottonwood Villa in Ainsworth where they received wonderful care. In 2025, Kevin and Maxine celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with family and, in December, Maxine celebrated her 89th birthday.

Maxine was preceded in death by her mother and father, Cecil and Katherine Harris. She is survived by her husband, Kevin Schoettger; daughter, Connie Higginson and husband, Chuck, son, Rodney Schoettger and wife Darla (Oltman), son, David Schoettger and wife, Dawn (Painter); granddaughter, Kristin (Schoettger) Bland, granddaughter, Caitlyn (Higginson) Radik and husband, Hunter, granddaughter, Jenna (Schoettger) Werner and husband, Jacob; great-grandchildren, Malachi, McKinley, Grayson, Morgan and Andrew, (another grandson is due in February 2026); sister, Judy (Harris) Lerdahl and husband, Jim, and sister, Carol (Harris) Lawrence and husband Willie; along with two nieces and two nephews and their families.

Maxine was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a good friend to many and will be terribly missed.

A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at the Burton Assembly of God Church with Pastor Dick Wallace officiating at the event. A Eulogy was given by Pastor Jacob Werner. The music selections included: “How Great Thou Art” and “Old Rugged Cross” by Randy Anderson and “I’ll Fly Away” by the Congregation. Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Mt Hope Cemetery at Springview. Memorials were suggested to the family in Maxine’s name for a future designation. Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth was in charge of arrangements and condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.