Maxine Agnes Golbach
August 30, 1920 - December 23, 2013

Maxine A. (O'Brien) Golbach, 93 years young, and a resident of The Gardens in Madison, died peacefully on Monday, December 23, 2013 at Agrace HospiceCare.

She was born in Antigo, WI on August 30, 1920 to Martha (Soman) and James O'Brien. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Henry Golbach, son Joseph, brothers Peter and Dennis, sisters Ethel and Irene, her granddaughter Katie Comp and two sons-in-law, Fraser Gumtow and Ray Fleming. She is survived by sister-in-law Lorraine O'Brien, children Mark Golbach (Linda Brazill), Marsha Belisle (Joe), Brian, Sara, Elizabeth, and Gregory Golbach. Also surviving are grandchildren Nathan Comp (the recently deceased Sarah Novotny), Jennifer Smith (Joe Alt), Lily Comp, Erin Addison (Lindsey), Brittney Golbach (Caleb Krueger), Courtney Golbach (fiance Jack Williams), former daughters-in-law Heidi Laundrie and Carolyn Golbach, former son-in-law Don Comp as well as great-grandchildren Alex Golbach, Michael and Emily Smith, and Katherine Alt.

Following WW II, Maxine married Henry and joined him in Panama where she gave birth to their first child. After service they returned to Wisconsin to continue raising their family. Maxine was accomplished in the domestic arts: quilting, sewing, cooking, baking, canning and gardening. She was always proud of the fine furniture she found at St. Vincent de Paul and so beautifully refurbished.

Her caring extended beyond her family into the communities of Antigo, Sun Prairie, Madison, Prairie du Chien and Lynxville as she took up roles as Cub Scout leader, Red Cross volunteer, Church Auxiliary member, Civic Service Club member, and Falling Rock Walleye Club officer.

When her youngest child entered school, Maxine sought employment -- packing cheese boxes at Christmas, weighing trucks at Payne and Dolan, and as a printer for the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance. Her last job, and perhaps the the one that she was proudest of, was census worker for the 2000 national count. She was 80 and had to drive many miles alone through the hills of western Wisconsin to finish her assignment.

Maxine never lost her enthusiasm for life and other people. Even at the age of 88, upon moving into The Gardens senior apartments, she quickly made many friends, joined a euchre group, and participated in all the activities her new community had to offer. She especially enjoyed her yoga class and Bible study group. She said more than once, "I don't want to waste this time. You can sleep when you're gone."

Maxine received exceptional care in her final days from the staff of Agrace HospiceCare. Anyone wishing to remember her with a donation to Agrace or Independent Living Inc. (The Gardens) is encouraged to do so.

A visitation will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 3 prior to a funeral mass at 11:30 a.m. at Queen of Peace Church, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison, WI. 53711. A luncheon will follow.

Tributes