Maxine N. Zuercher

Maxine N. Bornemeier Zuercher age 89 of Little Rock Arkansas, formerly Belle Fourche, died January 16th 2009 at her home in Little Rock from injuries sustained in a tragic house fire. The funeral service will be held 10:30 am Monday at the Christian Life Center in Belle Fourche, with Rev. Paul Howard officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held in Pine Slope Cemetery, in Belle Fourche. Arrangements are with Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche. Maxine Neuenschwander was born August 11, 1919, in Beaver Dam, Ohio, to Walter and Viola Neuenschwander. She was raised on a farm near Bluffton, Ohio. While attending high school at Bluffton, she met Kenneth Zuercher. Kenneth and Maxine were married at her parent’s home in Indiana, on October 4, 1938 and spent the next 64 years together as husband and wife. They moved to Lima, Ohio in 1939. Their daughters and first son were born while they lived in Lima. Maxine’s family moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where she and her husband attended Grace Bible Institute. During this period of time, Maxine became a licensed practical nurse and cared for others in addition to her family. Their second son was born in Omaha. Once her husband completed his formal training for the ministry, Maxine and he moved the family to several locations, where she supported her husband in the ministry and cared for the family. Maxine taught Sunday school, Bible school and was active in church activities throughout her life. While living in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Maxine worked as a physical therapist’s assistant at a nursing home. In 1969 Maxine and Kenneth moved to Houston, Texas, upon his retirement from the ministry. Maxine then began a new career as a home decorator. She also routinely volunteered at local hospitals, nursing homes and for the Republican Party. Once again, the couple retired and moved to Belle Fourche, South Dakota, to be closer to family. Maxine was an active member of the Christian Life Center. Kenneth died in 2003. Maxine married Harold Bornemeier in 2005 and moved to Little Rock, Arkansas. Maxine and Harold were members of the Heritage Baptist Temple. Maxine and Harold both died in a house fire at their home in Little Rock. Maxine is survived by two daughters, Loral Kae (Dr. William) Gartner, Omaha, Nebraska, and Arlene Rae (Guy) Braughler, Rogers Arkansas, two sons, Kenneth W. (Lois) Zuercher D.C., Spearfish, South Dakota, and David L. (Luann) Zuercher, Esq., Pierre, South Dakota, a brother Donald E. Neuenschwander, Angola, Indiana, twelve grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Rev. Kenneth W. Zuercher, one brother, Kenneth Neuenschwander, and two sisters, Magdalene Becker, and Lois Steiner. May God Bless the Memory of Maxine.