Maxine Lois Traudt

Maxine Lois Traudt, 99, of Denver, died on August 26, 2026, at Clermont Park. Maxine was born on November 23, 1926, to Franz Wilhelm Luchsinger and Ruby Mabel Luchsinger (Koch) in Columbus, Nebraska. She was baptized and confirmed in the Evangelical and Reformed Protestant Church, Columbus. Her confirmation Bible verse was: “Casting all care upon him, for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7. Her family’s farm was in rural Polk County, Lone Star Community, Clear Creek Precinct. Spring-fed Clear Creek ran through the farm. Maxine fondly remembered her and her sister taking their brothers to play in the sand and cool water in the creek after finishing chores. She attended the one-room District 4 School and graduated from Kramer High School, Columbus, at age 16 in 1943, where she focused on business courses. After high school, she earned certification in shorthand, typing, bookkeeping, and accounting from the Omaha School of Commerce.

Maxine’s first job was floor sales and cashier at Schweser’s Department Store in Columbus, followed by roles as secretary to the treasurer and assistant treasurer at Consumers Public Power. She enjoyed dancing and playing basketball in her spare time. In 1946, she moved to Denver, where she first worked as a bookkeeper at Flowers, Inc. In 1949, she began employment at General Motors as the Underwriter Accountant’s Assistant. She married during that time and left employment in 1953 to start a family. She returned to work in 1972 with the Colorado Department of Public Health. She was an effective finance manager, resulting in distinguished promotions. She retired in 1990 after serving as the Administrative Officer in the Director’s Office of Air Pollution.

Maxine was a lifelong reader and learner and was always among the first patrons to check out the public library’s latest bestsellers. She was a skilled seamstress and made clothes for her children when they were young. She canned fruits, vegetables, dill pickles, and cherry and raspberry jam. Her homemade strawberry rhubarb, and cherry pies were a family favorite. She and her husband, John, enjoyed numerous international trips to Europe, the Mediterranean, and Asia. She attributed her longevity to regular water exercise and good genes. Maxine was a member of Salem United Church of Christ in Denver for over 80 years. She taught church school, served on the council, the renovation and altar committees, was a member of the Salem Quilters, and published the church newsletter for over a dozen years. She and John helped found the “Gourmet Supper Club,” where couples gathered monthly for over 40 years. Maxine remained true to her Nebraska roots by managing her “patch” of ground in Nance County, growing soybeans and corn.

Maxine is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, John Harold Traudt, and by her sister, Harriet Vossler, brother, Marvin Luchsinger, and sister in-law, Luella Luchsinger. She has a surviving brother, Raymond Luchsinger, and sister-in-law Enola Luchsinger, of Columbus, NE. She is also survived by her three children, Paul (Sue Phillips) of Albuquerque, Michelle Curtin (Danny) of Aurora, and Jewel Marie Traudt of Denver; her grandchildren Andrea Curtin (Jason Hischemellor) of Pittsburgh, Emily Curtin (Kai) of Las Vegas, Jason Morrison of Denver, and Katherine Morrison of Parker; and four great-grandchildren, Ella, Koa, John, and Joseph.

Maxine enjoyed a long and full life. She was dedicated to her family and instilled in her children the values of education, thrift, charity, and family legacy. The family expresses its thanks for the years of personal and attentive care provided by Visiting Angels, including her most recent aides, Irene and Kelsey.

Donations may be made to a cause of personal choice, or Salem United Church of Christ (salemuccdenver.org), or by phone, online, or mail to the Maxine L. and John H. Traudt Endowed Scholarship Fund at the Department of Electrical Engineering, CU-Boulder (please call 303-813-7935 for guidance and reference fund number: D-0037566).

Family and friends are welcome to attend a viewing at Horan & McConaty Mortuary, 1091 South Colorado Blvd. Thursday, September 3, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Services will be held at Salem United Church of Christ, 5300 E. Florida Ave., Denver, on Friday, September 4, at 10:00 a.m., and interment following at Fairmount Cemetery at 12:30 p.m.