Final Salute

The city of St. Michael, MN, and the world has lost one of its good guys; Maynard Edward Warne, 99, of St. Michael passed away peacefully Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025.

His faith, wit, and wisdom were ever on display and foundational to his way of life. He loved people, and people responded in kind. His skill in conversation helped everyone feel welcomed and comfortable, and his patented one-liners could fill a room with laughter.

Maynard was born in Watertown, SD, Aug. 9, 1926. He later moved with his family to Delano, MN, where upon completing high school, he joined the Navy, through which he was awarded a fully paid, round-trip world tour while serving with the Seabees, including a stop in Okinawa.

Upon returning to the states, Maynard met the love of his life, Elda Eull of St. Michael. Their love for the music of the big band and swing era drew them to dance halls from the start, and their smooth footwork would impress their children many years later.

Marrying Sept. 1, 1949, Maynard and Elda began an adventure that would carry them through the next 57 years until her death in 2006. Along the way came eight children, the first born in 1951 and the last in 1966, when Elda decided it was time to wave the white flag.

Whether it was making egg crates and delivering papers as a kid, or later raising chickens on their Dassel, MN, property, owning the Dassel Produce Co., running an egg route, or delivering for Dassel’s hardware and meat shops, Maynard was always on the move in order to feed his tribe.

If that wasn’t enough, he even volunteered for the Dassel Fire Department. He also co-founded the civic booster Labor Day celebration, Red Rooster Days in Dassel.

His work in sales, first with DeKalb chickens and later its seed-corn division, kept him on the road for decades as a district manager of each division and led to three transfers with the company to Fairmont MN, Fremont, NE, and Wayne, NE, before retiring and returning to the St. Michael area.

While in Fremont on April 1, 1979, Maynard was ordained a deacon of the Catholic Church and faithfully served parishes in Fremont, Wayne, and St Michael. Through his office as deacon, many were blessed by his compassion, love, grace, and wisdom. He officially retired as deacon at age 89, but his ministry continued in the assisted living community where he lived his final years.

In addition to his post with the church, he fought for the lives of the unborn with Nebraska Right to Life as well as Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life.

As busy as he was in life, he knew God had put him on earth for more than just making money – a lesson to us all. Over the course of his life, his faith and love of Jesus Christ deepened and broadened to encompass his whole life and mission.

An obituary can in no way do justice to describing such an incredible life. Nor can we express enough our appreciation to the staff of the Legacy of Saint Michael. Their care and compassion for our father over these past eight years has reached far beyond our expectations, and we know that our dad responded well to your love. Thank you.

Maynard was preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings; his beloved wife Elda passed away 19 years ago.

Maynard is survived by his eight children, Mark (Joan), Kevin (Dee), Joel (Gerri), Chris (Deb), Kathy (Dan), Paul, John, and Peter (Kristi); 20 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren, with one on the way.

In lieu of flowers, Maynard has requested you consider donating to St. Michael Catholic Church of St. Michael; Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life; or Nebraska Right to Life.

Service times are as follows: the wake will take place Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. and the funeral Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. A lunch follows the service. Events take place at St. Michael Catholic Church in St Michael.

The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to