Maxine Newhouse

Maxine "Mickie" Newhouse age 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at her home on Maple Lake, Mentor, MN, after a courageous battle with Pancreatic cancer.

Mickie was born on December 29, 1951 in Crookston, MN. She was the beloved daughter of Norman and Jeanette (Blokzyl) Menke.

Mickie attended Gary school as a young child and graduated from Fertile High school in 1970. After graduation she attended Moorhead State College for one year before beginning the next chapter of her life. In 1971 she married Doug Kurpiers and together they welcomed a son, Dirk.

In 1977, Mickie met and married the love of her life Gregory Newhouse. Their family grew with the addition of a daughter, Kari and a son Nicholas, who filled her life with joy, love and pride.

Mickie's career path included a short time doing daycare and a few years at Farm Credit services. Most of her career was spent working in numerous offices at Polk County. This is where she met many of her lifelong friends. She retired from the county as Assistant Recorder in 2013.

Mickie was involved in ladies aid and alter groups for church. She spent countless hours helping as a volunteer for hockey tournaments, figure skating shows, concession stands, after-prom party and numerous activities her children were involved in.

Mickie was especially gifted in crafting and loved decorating, especially for the holidays, at their lake home as well as their retirement home in Mesa, AZ. She had a very warm heart and great compassion for those that were struggling or less fortunate. She took great pride in watching her grandkids at all their sporting events. She was one of their greatest cheerleaders. She always asked them if they could hear her cheering for them.

Mickie was always up for spending time with her friends. She truly enjoyed going thrift shopping, rummage sales, crafting retreats, craft shows or getting together with her retired co-workers for luncheons.

She and her husband Greg spent many years enjoying camping at various campgrounds in MN, where they created many memories and met lifelong friends. After several years camping Mickie wanted to have a permanent home back on the lake. In 2020 they bought their second home on Maple Lake. She loved being at the lake whether it was gardening, taking pontoon rides, bonfires, floating, yard games with friends or hosting family for holidays. She and Greg enjoyed taking the motorcycle out for drives on the warm days of summer. Some of her fondest memories are of taking her mom Jean and Ival Bennes out for drives on the country roads in the Fertile, Beltrami areas where she grew up. Also, visiting with her neighbors who were like family in Arizona.

Mickie will always be remembered for her sense of humor, quick wit, a contagious smile, her gift for gab, her willingness to always help whenever asked and most of all her love for her family and friends.

Mickie is survived by her loving husband of 48 years Greg, her son Dirk Kurpiers of Glendale, AZ, her daughter Kari (Dale) Trudeau of Crookston, MN and her son Nick (Korbin) Newhouse of Mesa, AZ. Her favorite granddaughter Avery Trudeau and her favorite grandson Evin Trudeau both of Crookston, MN. Her siblings David Jenni (Linda), Stephen (Natalie) Menke, Danny Menke (Lucy), Karla (Dale) Broughton. Sister-in-law Patty Melancon, Brother in laws Ronnie Newhouse and Tim Newhouse, many nieces, nephews and family members.

Mickie was preceded in death by her parents Norman and Jeanette Menke, Sister Jackie Storie, niece Stephanie Storie, her in laws Glenn and Lyla Newhouse. Brother-in-law Joe Melancon and Sister-in-law, who passed the same day, Linda Newhouse.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00pm at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Crookston, MN on Friday, December 12th with visitation starting at 12:00pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to a charity of your choice in her honor.

The family would like to thank all her doctors and nurses for the wonderful care given. Also, to the many families and friends of Mickie who reached out with texts, calls, cards, food and precious time spent with her.