L. Maxine Drechsel

L. Maxine (Neal) Drechsel, 93, of Albion, IL passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at Oakview Heights in Mt. Carmel, IL.

Maxine was born May 8, 1932 in Marion County, IL to Fenton Merle Neal & Goldie Mae (Henke) Neal. She married Leroy J. Drechsel on January 30, 1955, and they enjoyed over 70 happy years of marriage together prior to his passing a few months ago. Maxine was a Christian, and an active member of Little Prairie Christian Church. She was a cafeteria cook at Edwards County Schools for over 30 years. She enjoyed cooking, canning green beans, baking – especially hot rolls and cinnamon rolls; and growing flowers that attracted hummingbirds. She loved spending time with family and her grandchildren, and she enjoyed volunteering her time in the kitchen at Oil Belt Camp, and delivering Meals on Wheels for the Edwards County Senior Citizens Center.

Maxine is survived by her daughters, Pam Drechsel and Lynn (Doug) Kelsey; and two grandchildren, Marissa Kelsey and Nathan Kelsey, She is also survived by a sister, Velma Reimenschneider; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Leroy, who preceded her on April 20, 2025; and siblings Clarence Neal, Stella Munds, and Bud Neal.

Services for Maxine Drechsel will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025 at Little Prairie Christian Church, west of Albion, IL. Friends are invited to visitation at the church from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.; with funeral services starting at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Little Prairie Cemetery.

Memorials in the name of Maxine Drechsel can be made to Little Prairie Christian Church or to the Edwards County Senior Citizens Center and will be accepted at the church during services on Monday.

The family of Maxine Drechsel would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staffs at the Villas of Hollybrook and EmpowerMe Wellness in Mt. Carmel, IL and as well as Residential Hospice for their care of Mom. And thanks to special friends Tom & Tricia Cater.

Ingram Meridith Funeral Home of Albion, IL is honored to assist the family with arrangements.