Maxine J. Essmann, 92, of Gilman passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at the Piper City Rehab and Living Center in Piper City. She was born on June 23, 1931 in Linton, North Dakota, a daughter of Harry and Johanna (Kraft) Kunsch. Maxine married Kenneth C. Essmann on May 21, 1950 in Gilman and he preceded her in death on July 27, 2022.

Maxine is survived by her son, Roger (Susan) Essmann of Earlville; her daughter, Nancy (Bruce) Perzee of Gilman; six grandchildren, Aaron Essmann, Kira (Justin) Bender, Kelsey (Jorge) Martinez, Ryan (Michelle) Perzee, Abby Perzee, and Cali (Darrin) Schumacher; eleven great-grandchildren, Jackson and Hannah Bender, Maverick and Madelyn Martinez, Jenssen and Gentry Perzee, Kristen Perzee, Claire, Hank, Lydia, and Abe Schumacher; three great-great-grandchildren, Haven Benton, Bentley and Louie Bartolini; her Goddaughter, Noreen Schriefer Buss; and one sister-in-law, Elsie Kunsch of Gilman.

She was also preceded in death by both of her parents; one brother, Harry Kunsch Sr.; and one sister-in-law, Phyllis Walsh.

Maxine was a member of the Gilman United Methodist Church, where she served as Sunday School Superintendent for over 50 years. She was also the manager of the grocery store in Gilman for 50 years. Maxine belonged to the Gilman Women's Club. She enjoyed playing cards with 4 special friends. Maxine truly loved the time she spent with her grand and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Sunday, January 14, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Gilman United Methodist Church in Gilman and also one hour prior to the funeral. Funeral services will be on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Gilman United Methodist Church with Pastor Mark Crawford and Pastor Jim Harkins officiating. Burial will follow in the Wenger Cemetery in Gilman.

Memorials may be made to the Gilman United Methodist Church or to the Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Arrangements are by the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.

Please share a memory of Maxine at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.