Global Ministries is saddened to learn of the death of Maxine Marie Burch

Global Ministries is saddened to learn of the death of Maxine Marie Burch

Maxine Marie Burch
May 24, 1924 – June 13, 2015

maxine_burch.jpgMaxine M. Burch, 91, of Newton, Kansas, died Saturday June 13, 2015 at the Kansas Christian Home in Newton. 

The daughter of Harry E. and Stella M. Petersen Burch, Maxine was born to serve others on May 24, 1924 in Winterset, Iowa.  She was raised and graduated from high school in Winterset. 

Ms. Burch graduated from Iowa State College, having earned a B.S. degree with a major in dietetics. She took a year’s internship in dietetics administration at the Women’s Educational and Industrial Union in Boston, Massachusetts. For three years, she worked as a dietitian in the Harvard Graduate School of Medicine and Business in Boston, after which she was Chair of the Morningside College Home Economics Department. 

Maxine obtained her pilots license in 1945.  In 1955, Maxine was ordained as a minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and was commission as a missionary.  Her 10 years of service in India (1955-1965) was at Christian Hospital Mungeli, the Christian Medical College and Hospital in Ludhiana, and she often assisted at another hospital 200 miles away. During her first home assignment between missionary terms, she returned to the graduate school of the University Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa to obtain her Master’s degree in nutrition. 

In 1965, Maxine returned to the United States to care for her parents.  After the death of her father, Maxine returned to India as a volunteer and wrote a Master’s Degree program for a women’s college and returned to work with physicians and healthcare providers of which she had worked with her during her missionary service. Upon her returned to the United States, Maxine joined the National Camp of Camp Fire Girls. 

Maxine was called back to service in 1973.  She spend six months as a member of an emergency medical team sent to drought-stricken north central Africa, specifically, Niger.  She documented that experience and it was published in the February 16,1975 issue of The Disciple magazine. 

Maxine served as Chair of the Board for Child Saving Institute, operated a dietary counseling business was a part of the Medical Staff for Nutrition at Creighton University. She also was very active in politics while living in Omaha, Nebraska. 

Maxine completed a six-year term of service as a member of the Division of Overseas Ministries Board of Directors in 1985. 

Maxine moved to Newton, Kansas, in July, 1992. She worked for the Health Departments of Sedgwick, Marion and Harvey Counties until retiring. She also wrote a column on food and nutrition for the Newton Kansan. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Newton, Zonta International, and served as President of the Alumni Board at Iowa State University. 

Maxine is survived by her very good friend since college, VonDell Glaser of Newton and her best companion, Boomer. 

Maxine is preceded in death by her parents; brother, John H. Burch; and sister, Beverly Stanley. 

A celebration of Maxine’s life was held at Kansas Christian Home on June 19, 2015.  Graveside services and inurnment will be held at 9:30 a.m., Saturday June 27, 2015 at the Winterset Cemetery in Winterset, Iowa. 

A memorial fund has been established in recognition of Maxine Burch with the Legacy of John at the Kansas Christian Home; contributions may be sent to Kansas Christian Home, 1035 Southeast Third Street, Newton, KS 67114.   

Condolences may be sent to her friend, Vonnie Glaser at 3 Duncan Lane, Newton, KS 67114.