MAXINE D. KOSSOW

Maxine Delores Kossow (90) passed away peacefully at her new home of Oakcrest at Valley Senior Living on Friday, April 14th, 2023.

Maxine was born on November 19th, 1932, in Twin Valley, MN to John and Ida (Simle) Bakke. Along with two other siblings, Irene, and Jim. Maxine grew up in Twin Valley and attended school until the age of 12. She then moved to Grand Forks, ND and attended school there until grade 8. She met the love of her life Armond Kossow and they were married July 21st 1949. They had three beautiful children together. Alton (Debbie) Kossow of Grand Forks, ND. Debbie (Russell) Lee of East Grand Forks, MN. And Linda (Joe) Kossow of Grand Forks, ND.

She loved to sew, crochet, embroider, bake, cook, and feed and watch the birds at the lake. She had a favorite lefsa stick that her son Alton broke one fateful night. She and her family spent many days at Maple Lake where they built a cabin for their family to enjoy special memories such as, staying up late playing games, sharing stories, laughing, and putting puzzles together.

Maxine and Armond lived for their grandchildren Randy, Mike, Travis, Billy, Melanie, Dustyn, Kendra, and Kristine. They loved having them at the lake and always made sure they were laughing, and her main thing was to make sure you had sunscreen on, a life jacket, and to be safe. Her husband passed away in 2013 leaving her alone in the house they built together. She was blessed to have her daughter Linda, who moved in with her, making it possible for her to stay in her home and continue to do the things she enjoyed.

Maxine never just sat around. She was always moving, even if it wasn't in her best interest. Like vacuuming her living room at the age of 90. Her daughter Debbie Lee passed away from cancer at the age of 57 in 2017. This broke her heart. She was kept busy with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She has 19 great-grandchildren, Carsen, Lydia, Avery, Kiya, Kiran, Alexis, Andrew, Aiden, Alyssa, Miley, Seanna, Faith, Tommy, Caidyn, Krimson, Khloe, Kooper, Emerson and another one on the way.

In her younger years you could find her jamming on her guitar with her Cousin Julian Johnson, whom she played and sang in a band with, in small towns surrounding Grand Forks. Some of her greatest accomplishments are raising her children, being a nurse's aide, working at Simplot, Teaching Sunday school and being a Brownie troop leader. She had a fighting Norwegian spirit, which will be missed by everyone that her spirit touched. Maxine went by many names most of them given to her by her husband some of which were freckle face, and cotton head. He always knew how to push her buttons.

Maxine is survived by her children Alton (Debbie) Kossow, and Linda Kossow, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to Nephew Bobby Lee who was like a son, because he was always willing to help and added joy to their lives.

Proceeded in death by her parents, husband Armond, daughter Debra, siblings Irene Behm, Jim Bakke, and Lindas close friend Joe Hjelseth.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday April 25, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, ND.

Visitation will be one hour before service time in the church.

Burial will be in the spring of 2023 at Memorial Park North Cemetery in Grand Forks, ND.