Maxine Zietz

Minot

Maxine Zietz, 86, Minot formerly of Sawyer, died January 13, 2026, in a Minot hospital.

Maxine was born July 27, 1939, Minot, North Dakota to Reuben and Julia (Laukala) Oja. She was raised in Stanley and Minot, attending school at McKinley Elementary and Minot High.

Maxine was united in marriage to Arlo Zietz, from Lansford, ND on November 2, 1956 in Pontiac, Michigan. They returned to Minot in 1957, after serving his country in the US Army. They were blessed with seven children. In 1969, they moved to Sawyer, ND where they would build their life together.

Above all, Maxine was a loving and devoted wife and mother, who always put family first. She was a steady source of strength and support for her children and grandchildren, helping to raise and encourage them with patience, some wisdom and maybe a little bit of spiciness. Her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren held a special place in her heart and she took great pride in supporting them.

For many years, Maxine worked in service to others as a certified nurses aide. She enjoyed working with others offering comfort and care to those who needed it most. Maxine concluded her working years as an activities aide at Edgewood Vista in Minot for nearly two decades until her retirement. Her loving husband Arlo passed away on June 17, 1995.

Maxine found joy in baking and gardening. She loved to feel the dirt in her hands while tending her plants and flowers, finding peace feeding the hummingbirds. She worked seasonally at Lowe’s Garden Center for many years and took pride in watching things grow and flourish under her care. Her yard was a place of calm, beauty, and simple happiness. Dancing, time spent with good friends, Louise and Eileen listening to a good country music.

A woman of faith, Maxine attended St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Sawyer and recently she found comfort at Zion Lutheran Church in Minot. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to share in her life.

Maxine is survived by her children Robin (Paulette) Zietz, Sawyer; Kim (Steve) Albin, Detroit Lakes, MN, Mark (Renee) Zietz, Sawyer, ND, Chris (Brenda) Zietz, Minot, ND, Joe (Anita) Zietz, Velva, ND, Karla (Brad) Nordgaard, Minneapolis, MN and Julie (Chad) Schlosser, Minot, ND; 20 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, husband Arlo, sister Eldora Schwan and brothers Allen and Melvin Oja.

Celebration of Life for Maxine Zietz: 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 19, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church, Minot. To view a livestream of the service or to share memories and condolences access www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Interment: Hope Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Sawyer, ND in the Spring 2026.

Visitation: Sunday, January 18, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Minot.

Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot is in care of arrangements.

Published by The Minot Daily News, January 16, 2026.