Raymond David Maixner

Services for Raymond “Crazy Ray” David Maixner, 77, of Madison, will be at a later date.

Raymond passed away Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at his home in Madison.

Ray was born on September 15th, 1943, in Ravenna, Nebraska to John and Rose (Sorenson). He was educated at Ravenna Public School. Ray enlisted in the United States Navy on October 30th, 1963 and served until October 29th, 1967. Ray served in the Vietnam War. Ray chose many career paths including over the road truck driver, farm hand in Taylor, Nebraska, mechanic for the Cedar Rapids CO-OP from 1996-1999, and finally finding his passion owning and operating Crazy Ray’s Service in Belgrade, Nebraska from 1999-2013 when he retired. Ray was an avid Professional Wrestling Fan and could always be found watching WWE. Ray had a passion for dirt track racing/stock car racing. Ray owned and raced several cars from 1996-1999, #96 at the Albion racetrack. Ray was a Volunteer Firefighter for the Belgrade Rural Fire Department, which he enjoyed very much. Ray also enjoyed his “Lil Bit” Semi Truck that he took all over Nebraska to County Fairs and Car Shows. Ray’s compassion and adventurous lifestyle led him to make many lifelong friends within every community he called home.  Ray will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him.  

He married Bettie Maixner on June 15th, 1988, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They eventually settled in Belgrade, Nebraska in 1995 and lived there until 2015, when they moved to the Madison/Norfolk area. They were married for 33 years.  

Ray spent the last several years of his life fighting cancer. Ray fought a tough and courageous battle. Even on his worst days, he worried more about his wife, Bettie, than he did himself.  

Ray is survived by his wife, Bettie Maixner of Madison, NE; sisters, Marietta (Dean) Daake and Esther Glinsmann; children, Ramona (Mike) Santee, Shannon (Steve) Tilley, Misty, Butch Maixner, Tina (Ross) Bartlett, Pamela (Mark) Lowery, 19 grandchildren, many, many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.  

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Rose Maixner; brothers, Jack and Frank Maixner, sisters Roseline Wolf and Ellen Kozel; brothers-in-law, Jim Wolf, Duane Glinsmann, and Jim Kozel; sisters-in-law Edna Maixner and Ann Maixner; daughters, Christina Stroud and Amber Razmun; grandson, Daniel Lowery; and mother-in-law, Dorothy Gourley.

In lieu of flowers, cards can be sent to 304 North Nebraska, PO Box 577, Madison, Nebraska 68748.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Raymond David Maixner, please visit our floral store.