MADISON - Maxine M. Triff, age 91, of Madison, passed away on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, at St. Mary's Hospital. She was born on July 23, 1931, in Pearl City, Ill., the daughter of Carl and Luella (Carter) Mielke.

Maxine attended Lanark High School in Lanark, Ill. She then received her B.A. degree in German from Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, Iowa. She worked for The Quaker Oats Company in Chicago where she met John Triff. They married and lived in Freeport, Ill. She received her degree of Master of Arts in German from the University of Iowa at Iowa City, Iowa, completing this during the summers while raising her children. She was a highly accomplished vocalist winning vocal competitions as a dramatic soprano in the Freeport, Chicago and Madison area as well as singing in the choir and performing with the hand bell ringers at Second Presbyterian Church in Freeport. She taught German at Freeport High School in Freeport, Ill and at Durand High School in Durand, Ill. as well as working at Highland Community College in Freeport for several years. Maxine also taught ESL (English as a second language) in the family home. She and John divorced in the early 70s and she began her next chapter by moving to Madison where she worked as a registrar at MATC for many years until retirement. She was a member of the Ancient Earthworks Society, the Madison Gem and Mineral Club, the Madison-Freiburg sister city group, and was a lifetime member of the Olbrich Botanical Society just to name a few. In early retirement she volunteered at Henry Vilas Zoo at the Orangutan habitat and at the Wisconsin Historical Society in the library. She was passionate about travel and traveled extensively throughout the U.S. with tour groups in her retirement.

Maxine was also passionate about researching and documenting her family’s genealogy and German heritage. She took many trips to Germany traveling throughout the country, most especially to Berlin and Madison’s sister city of Freiburg. Here in Madison, she attended weekly meetings at a German chat room, continuing a lifelong desire to study the German language.

Maxine is survived by her daughter, Doreen (Donald) Pedigo; grandchild, Blake Pedigo; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; and son, Dennis Triff.

In keeping with Maxine's wishes no services will be held but an online celebration of life is being planned by her daughter as well as a small graveside service for family. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery in Pearl City, Ill. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Maxine M Triff

July 23, 1931 - November 28, 2022

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