Maxine Eleanore Paxson

Maxine (Behm) Paxson, formerly of Cambridge, WI roared out of this life on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 83, rejoining her wild-hearted crew. Born December 29, 1941, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Watertown, WI, to Lewis Behm and Julia (Vasby).  She was preceded in death by her loving husband, William "Bill" Paxson, her sister, Marjorie Kempf, her brother, David Behm, and her parents.

Maxine graduated from Cambridge High School in 1959.  At 17 years old she started working with American Family Insurance. She met her future husband, Bill at Truax Field in Madison, WI, where he served in the Air Force, and they got married on June 8, 1963. She dominated go-kart tracks and softball fields in her youth, bold and untamed. Maxine was a lifelong member of Willerup Methodist Church and an avid NASCAR fan. With Bill, she cruised in their RV, Model A, their dog, Rascal, riding along. She was a member of the Model A Restorer’s Club since 1964, the Model A Ford Club of America for 30 years, and the Wisconsin Region MARC since 1964, they lived for the classics. They hunted Red Wing Pottery, joining the Red Wing Collector’s Society and collectors of Illinois Pottery and Stoneware, and parked their winter dreams at Desert Shadows RV Resort in Phoenix, AZ, where Maxine and Bill soared in hot air balloons with friends. Rascal, their pride, and joy, lapped up every adventure.

She leaves behind her son, Todd (Karen) Paxson of Cambridge, WI, granddaughter Hanna Paxson, great-granddaughter Mara Morris, grandson Christian Paxson and her daughter, Tammy (Andy) Forsythe of Windsor, WI, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

From go-karts to desert nights, Maxine lived with grit and glamour, always with Bill and Rascal by her side. Now, she is reunited with loved ones again, leaving a legacy that hums with horsepower.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 12:00pm at Willerup Church 414 W. Water St. Cambridge, WI 53523.  Burial will follow in the Willerup Cemetery.  Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 10:00am until the time of the service. 

The family would like to thank friends Dee and Jackie, and the staff at Edgerton Hospital and Our House in Cambridge for the care they provided to Maxine.