Maxine Marie Kuker, age 96, peacefully slipped the bonds of this earthly life to be with Jesus on May 26, 2026. While we grieve her passing, we find comfort in knowing she is finally reunited with her loving husband, Norman.

Maxine Marie Berg was born on May 14, 1930, to Arthur and Viola (Nichols) Berg. She met the love of her life, Norman, at a country school dance. On April 14, 1948, they were united in marriage at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church near Verdon, Nebraska. Together they built their home and life on the family farm south of Barada.

Maxine devoted her life to her family as a farm wife and homemaker. She was independent woman and strong-willed, never afraid to speak her mind. Wonderfully stubborn in all the right ways, she carried herself with determination, grace and a spirit all her own. She had a deep love for chickens, gardening, canning, and baking, and she delighted in sharing those passions with her children and grandchildren. She became well known throughout the Barada area for her homemade noodles and cinnamon rolls. She also found great joy in feeding and watching the hummingbirds and wild birds through every season.

Their love story, which began at a young age, truly stood the test of time. Norman and Maxine shared 66 blessed years of marriage before Norman was called to Heaven. Maxine was a devoted member of the Barada Global Methodist Church, the Barada Sewing Circle, and the Barada Bells Choir. Her life was marked by love, compassion, kindness, and an unwavering faith in God. Her passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her.

Maxine is survived by her daughter, Pam (special friend George) of Falls City; sons, Rick (wife Fran) of Shubert and Gerald (wife Betty) of Falls City, sister Dorothy (husband Harry) of Nashville, Indiana.    

Her beloved grandchildren include Craig Dungan (wife Mara), Becky Vonderschmidt (husband Justin), Brian Kuker (late wife Cassandra), Stephanie Kuker, Crystal Eickhoff (husband Robert), Desi McQueen (husband Brandon), Cassie Gaddis (special friend Joe), Shelby Kuker, and Eli Kuker (wife Shelby).

Maxine was also blessed with 19 great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, and numerous step-great-great-grandchildren.

She was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven by her parents; her husband, Norman; their infant son born at rest in 1953; her brother, Dale Berg; her sister, Marcelin Bahr; and a great-granddaughter born at rest.

Viewing will be held Saturday afternoon until 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5:00 p.m. at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 1, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Barada Global Methodist Church in Barada, Nebraska, with Pastor Mike Hader officiating. Interment will follow at Barada Harris Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband.

Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the family for a special memorial to be designated at a later time.