Maxine M. Hollis, 72, of Sioux City passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on December 26th, 2015 at a local hospital. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 2, 2015 at Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City, 4125 Orleans Ave with Deacon Jim Sands of St. Boniface Catholic Church officiating. Prior to the services a gathering of friends and family will take place beginning at 9 am. with refreshment in the Waterbury reception room. The burial will directly follow the services and interment will be in "Windy Hill" Cemetery, located in Emerson Nebraska.

Maxine was born in Emerson Nebraska, on January 16, 1943. She graduated from Emerson High School and continued on to receive continuing education in several Jr. colleges, Universities and technical schools throughout Nebraska, Iowa and beyond. Maxine's first marriage was to Harvey Hinken of Emerson. Tragically, Harvey passed on the day of their first wedding anniversary. It was her last request to be interred next to him.

Early employment saw her working as a legal secretary for a prominent patent attorney in the city. She worked for doctor specialists at the University of Iowa Hospital as a professional nutritionist. Maxine was a councilor for their patients. She had extensive education with a strong emphasis on fine art, literature, writing, music, and photography. She was the creator of a special newsletter called the "Victorian Whimsy" that enjoyed wide circulation among a smaller group of fans throughout Siouxland and the United States.

Maxine was the owner and developer of a fine art gallery in Atlanta, Georgia. The gallery featured fine art. She dealt in lithography, original oils, and fine prints. Included in the exquisite mixture of tasteful artwork was fine antique glassware and porcelain including a large collection of period furniture. Upon the closing of the gallery in the eighties, Maxine and her then current husband, John Hudson Hollis III trained to become counter terrorists. Hudson-Miller security was formed. Maxine was a professional body guard for a popular Jazz musician while residing in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.

After the dissolution of her marriage, she returned to Iowa, and worked as a Verification Specialist for NCH, MCI, and WorldCom. At MCI she was well recognized for her work. She was designated employee of the month quite often, and in one instance, for three consecutive months. Upon leaving the merger migration through these companies she worked as store manager at "Antiques Sioux City." She also worked for the very fashionable Williges, and as night manager of the Gift Store located in the Sioux City Hilton Hotel.

Maxine had numerous hobbies and avocations that included equestrian skills, writing, fine arts, drawing, painting, staging, decorating, photography and innovative fashion. She was often addressed by her many friends as "The Lady of Hats!" She was a professional calligrapher. Her unique talents and gentle nature will be missed by many.

Maxine is survived by her son Randy Hanson and his wife Sheila, of Las Vegas Nevada. Maxine was formerly married to Leonard Hanson of Charter Oak, Iowa. Maxine was the long time personal companion and loyal friend to Daniel E. Wolff of the City.


Maxine is preceded in death by her parents, Edward Miller and Meta (Jager) Miller of Emerson, Nebraska and her first husband, Harvey Hinken also of Emerson.

Maxine has asked that the choice between flowers and donations to a worthy organization be left entirely up to you. She loved flowers, and she also deeply appreciated the science and knowledge that gave her almost a year of additional life. Therefore, please consider a gift to Sloan Kettering, Mayo Clinic, and the June E, Nylen Cancer Center right here in Sioux City.

Maxine asked that I thank the workers at the Hospice of Siouxland and the Doctors, Nursing staff, and chaplaincy at the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Hospital for their spiritual understanding, efficiency, and comforting care.