Maxine Marie Book was born on November 11, 1942, in Earling, Iowa, at her grandmother’s home, to Lawrence and Esther (Hodapp) Gaul. She was baptized and later confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, where she also attended school, graduating with the Class of 1960.
Following high school, Maxine pursued her passion for cosmetology, attending night classes at Capitol Beauty School in Omaha, Nebraska, while working at Mutual of Omaha. She began her career at Maison Lorenzo’s Salon in the Brandies Store at the Crossroads Mall in Omaha. On December 28, 1963, Maxine married Raymond Book at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling. While Ray was stationed in California, the couple moved there, and Maxine continued her work at the Vandenberg Air Force Base Beauty Shop for three years. During this time, they welcomed their daughters, Cathy Anne and Michele Marie.
In 1966, the family returned to Harlan and it was there that their family grew with the births of Rosemary, Debra Jean, and Patricia Rae. A devoted mother, Maxine balanced family life while obtaining her Iowa beauty license. She briefly worked at Spurgeon’s Department Store in Harlan before fulfilling her dream of owning her own salon, which she operated until her retirement in 2005. Not one to remain idle, she later worked at Kate Kohorst’s office for five years before fully retiring.
Maxine embraced retirement with enthusiasm, enjoying travels across the United States with family, including cruises to Hawaii, Alaska, and the New England states, as well as visits to Florida, Arizona, and California. She was an active member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church and the Ladies Guild since 1966. Her hobbies included gardening, sewing, and crocheting – over 50 afghans and countless scrubbies. She loved staying active with yoga, water aerobics and walking at the fitness center. Above all, she cherished making memories with her family, especially playing cards.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Esther (Hodapp) Gaul; in-laws, Raymond and Sidonia Book; and sisters-in-law and their husbands: Maxine (George) Schwery and Emilie (Bob) Koster.
She is survived by her husband, Ray Book of Harlan; five daughters: Cathy (Vic) Robertson of Brandt, SD, Michele (Jeff) Sundholm of Harlan, Rosemary (Ron) Stitz of Harlan, Debra (Paul) Campbell of Hamlin and Patricia (Bob) Brue of Harlan; nine grandchildren: Alex Sundholm, Jacob Sundholm, Michael (Megan) Klein, Taylor Klein (fiancé Jordan Dostal), Marcus Klein, Emily (John) Jensen, Cpl Anna Campbell, Bradley (Emily Murtha) Brue, and Abbey Brue; three great grandsons: Emmett, Jace, and Jaxon Klein; step-grandchildren; brothers: Jerry (Nancy) Gaul of Albuquerque, NM, Bob (Joan) Gaul of Johnston, IA, and Bill (Sharon) Gaul of Tucson, AZ; sisters: Mary (Rick) Huss and Donna (Mike) Wright of all Omaha, NE; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
Visitation with Family Greeting Friends will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., on Friday, July 11, 2025, with Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00 am, all at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan. Inurnment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for memorials to be directed to St. Michael’s Guild or Hearts and Hands Sewing Group. The Heartland Funeral Home in Harlan is in charge of arrangements.
