White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Maxine H. Cappel, 103 years old, of Independence, IA, died of natural causes, Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at ABCM Rehab Center – East in Independence.

Funeral Services will be 12:00 p.m. – Saturday, May 29, 2021, at White Funeral Home in Independence. Burial will be at the Wilson Cemetery, Independence. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday, at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Maxine Helen Lenius was born April 7, 1918, in Independence, the daughter of H. A. “Joe” Lenius and Charlotte Marie (Miller) Lenius. Maxine graduated from Independence High School with the class of 1935 and then attended Junior College in Independence.

On June 18, 1941, she was united in marriage to Wesley Howard Cappel at the First Baptist Church, Independence. They made their home in rural Buchanan County where they farmed and raised their family. Wesley preceded her in death on July 24, 1980. Maxine also worked in the Recorder’s Office at the Buchanan County Courthouse and for a time she worked at the jewelry store in Independence.

She was a member of the Sumner Township Social Club and the First Baptist Church in Independence. Maxine had a wonderful sense of humor and many talents. She enjoyed quilting, collecting dolls, making teddy bears, and painting china. She also enjoyed polka music, square dancing, and taking fishing trips to Minnesota with her family.

Maxine is survived by her son, Kenneth (Dorothy) Cappel, Sr. of Winthrop, IA; daughter, Cynthia (Doug) Swarts of Galesburg, IL; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wesley; one brother Richard Lenius; and two sisters, Geraldine Nelson and Burdetta Derr.

White Funeral Home of Independence, IA is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.White-Mthope.com.