Maxine Sondrol Nelson was born April 29, 1933 to Dorothy and Ernest Sondrol on the family farm south of Watford City, ND.

Maxine attended country school for three years before moving to Watford City in 1943. She attended Watford City High School and graduated in 1951. Maxine enjoyed Band and Chorus. She was also a member of the First Lutheran Church Choir. Maxine spent a lot of her high school years helping with younger siblings and household chores.

After Graduation she worked for First International Bank of Watford City. On November 21, 1951 she married her High School sweetheart, Niel Nelson. They then moved south of Arnegard to the family farm where they would remain until 1981 when they moved to Arnegard. While on the farm, Maxine taught Country School for two years. Niel and Maxine had three daughters, Cindy Andersen, Barb Johnson, and Peggy Ostrum. Maxine enjoyed gardening, sewing for herself and girls. She ran many errands for the farm and also did books for Nelson Westland Service Station in Arnegard. Maxine was a great cook, when the grandsons were home, Grandma got a workout making egg pancakes!! She hauled many meals to the field for hungry men. The Custom harvest crew always looked forward to her caramel rolls. She also tried her hand at selling Tupperware.

Maxine was a member of Zoar and Wilminton Lutheran Churches. She was active in teaching Sunday school, Church Council, WELCA and Zoar quilting ladies. She was a charter member of the Eagles Auxiliary of Watford City, VFW of Watford City, Women’s Democratic Party, and Redwing Homemakers Club. Maxine enjoyed golfing, playing cards, camping with family and friends and loved Cruising. Niel and Maxine spent 25 winters in Arizona and traveling around the country. They enjoyed trips to Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Norway and Panama.

In 2017 Niel and Maxine moved into the Horizon Assisted Living in Watford City. They lived there for five years before moving to the Good Shepherd Home.

Maxine is survived by her daughters, Cindy (Rick) Andersen, Barb (Wayne) Johnson, and Peggy Ostrum. Five Grandchildren, Chad (Rhonda) Kieson, Dickinson, Torey (Jodi) Kieson, Bismarck, Shane (Lindsay) Johnson, Arnegard, Mica (Graham) Peterson, Bismarck, Mandi (Chris) Dordal, Somerset WI. Brother Norman Sondrol, Bismarck, Karen (Al) Berg, Watford City, Judy Wold, Watford City and Sharon Stashuk, Phoenix AZ. Numerous nieces and nephews. Fourteen great grandchildren, Cole Kieson, Riley and Molly Kieson, Waylon and Kreed Smith, Emma, Mya, Lucy, Millie and Charlie Peterson, Julianna, Oliver, Roman ,and Adeline Dordal.

Maxine was preceded in death by her husband Niel Nelson, grandson Casey Johnson, son in law Derk Bakke, parents Ernest and Dorothy Sondrol, one infant sister Mildred, brother Leroy Sondrol and sister Pearl Swenson. Numerous brother and sister in laws.