Maxine Joan (Kersting) Sandberg, 70, of Cook, MN passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, October 8, 2022.

Maxine was born to Archie and Clara (Barrett) Kersting on March 11, 1952 in Grand Rapids, MN.  Maxine grew up in Bear Lake, MN and attended Bigfork High School. She was united in marriage to Merl on April 26, 1969. They lived in Bear River where they raised their three children, Sheldon, Brad and Stacey.

Maxine worked various customer service jobs until she and Merl built the Viking Bar in 1984. Her personality attracted countless amounts of people from near and far. After retirement, her inability to sit still led her to cleaning cabins where customers became family. Maxine was known for her upbeat, kind, and caring nature. Even during her struggle with cancer, she was always positive and never gave up. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends. For years she never missed an event from her oldest son to her youngest grandchild. Her favorite pastime was traveling, which included numerous Mexican adventures and winning big in Vegas or pretty much anywhere she went.

Maxine is survived by her husband Merl; son Brad (Dee Ann) Sandberg; daughter Stacey (Steven) Ratai; daughter-in-law Taryn Sandberg; brother Joe (Arlayne) Kersting; sisters: Nancy (Roger) Kjendle, Sharon (Ike) Nelson, Arlene (Gene) Chilman, and Judy Geisen; grandchildren: Jaret (Destinie) Sandberg, Alli Sandberg, Jahna Sandberg, Hanna Sandberg, Regan Ratai, and Kaden Ratai; great grandchildren: Grayson and Leah Sandberg and numerous nieces and nephews.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents Archie and Clara; her son Sheldon; and her brother Jerry Kersting.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022 from noon to 2:00pm, followed by the Celebration of Life at 2:00pm at the Cook Community Center, Cook, MN. Online condolences to www.mlakerfuneralhome.com