Maxine L. Drexler Obituary (1925

Maxine (Mickey) L. Drexler, 94 of Bloomington passed away at 7:12 pm, Wednesday Sept. 25, 2019 at Advocate BroMenn, Normal. A memorial service will be at 11 am, Tuesday Nov. 5, at First Christian Church. There will be a luncheon visitation following the service at the church. Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home in Bloomington is handling arrangements, In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the music programs at Illinois Wesleyan University, First Christian Church of Bloomington, or The String Academy of Wisconsin (PO Box 11941, Milwaukee WI 53211). Maxine was born Jan. 23, 1925 in Springfield IL to Edgar and Odessa Dyer Lebkuecher. She married R. Dwight Drexler on July 29, 1947 in Bloomington. He preceded her in death on Dec. 22, 2010 in Normal. She was also preceded in death by her brother John Lebkuecher and sister Margaret Quensel. She is survived by two children, Richard Drexler of Orlando FL, Darcy Drexler and husband David Anderson of Milwaukee WI. Mickey won a 4-year voice scholarship to IWU and earned both Bachelor and master's degrees in Voice Performance. She received the outstanding music award at commencement in 1946. Further vocal study and performing followed in NYC. Career highlights included singing for Gov. Adlai Stevenson at the Illinois Mansion, a Messiah soloist with the Quincy Symphony, and performing songs for Aaron Copland at the 1958 IWU Contemporary Symposium. Later, she taught voice (part-time) at IWU for 35 years, and enjoyed her years working in the Music Office. Mickey also was past president of the IWU Alumnae Association and League of Women. Maxine was a lifelong active member (80+ years) of First Christian Church. She sang as a choir member (50+ years), occasionally as a soloist, and for many years directed youth and adult choirs. She also served as a deacon and taught Sunday and Vacation Bible School. A 50+ year member of Sigma Alpha Iota, Mickey was president of both her college and the alumni chapters and received nearly all of the honors offered. She belonged to P.E.O. and held offices of Corresponding Secretary and Vice-President. She was a member of the Amateur Musical Club Board for 21 years and served as the artistic liaison for many of the performing artists that came to Bloomington. Later, she wrote letters for donations as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer. Her 60+ years with her Bridge Club friends was cherished. Golf, sewing, decorating, crafts, gardening, dressing up for special events, and dinner parties were just a few of her many activities. Mickey kept up an active correspondence with many of her former students and colleagues. She also loved her travels (with family and students) throughout the U.S. and more than 18 countries. Mickey will be greatly missed by her family, friends, former students, colleagues and her dear Pomeranian, Buppy.