Maixner, Diane M.

Diane Marie Maixner (nee Gruener), 71, of Saint Louis, Missouri entered eternal rest on June 19, 2026. Diane was born in Saint Louis on April 24, 1955 to Robert J. (Emma, step-mother) and the late Marie J. Gruener. She was the eldest of three children, Stephen J. Gruener (Mary) who predeceased her and Jane M. Herrod (William).

She attended Saint Francis of Assisi grade school, Notre Dame High School (class of 1973) and Saint Louis Community College. She worked for her father’s family business, Gruener Office Supplies, Inc. as the bookkeeper and after being taught those skills eventually took over the position when her grandmother, Edna Gruener, retired.

With a young family in tow, she decided to further her education by attending Lindenwood College. After receiving her degree, she sat for and passed the CPA exam. By then she was employed by her husband’s family business, Maixner, Maixner & Company CPAs, later Maixner LLC. Diane specialized in tax matters and tax resolution services. Her love of reading, intellect, and unquenched desire for knowledge served her well in her countless hours of research regarding highly technical matters. Diane’s career also included being an instructor at Saint Louis Community College and Maryville University teaching primarily upper-level tax courses.

After suffering life-changing medical issues in 2020 and being given virtually no chance of survival, she exhibited her strength, fighting spirit, and stubborn determination to beat the odds. Ultimately, the ordeal changed her life completely. She could no longer practice the profession she loved nor enjoy her favorite pastimes of reading a good book or riding her bike.

Not one to surrender, she reinvented herself by immersing in activities intended to help others. As a volunteer she was active in the Missouri Botanical Garden Therapeutic Horticulture Program visiting the elderly in retirement centers to teach about flowers and assisting the residents in creating their own floral arrangements. Diane also became a Court Appointed Special Advocate in Jefferson County championing the welfare of children in foster care. Further, she was active and found comfort in Saint Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness (SLOCA) as symptoms of ovarian cancer are often overlooked. Diane’s passion was extended to sepsis advocacy where she participated in study and support groups through the Sepsis Alliance. She did not want this to happen to anyone else and by her voice she hoped to be able to help keep others from this fate.

Diane’s greatest joy was her family. She found great pride in her children’s accomplishments and was happiest when surrounded by her grandchildren. Many free moments were spent anticipating the next family vacation.

Diane is survived by her husband of almost 50 years, Albert K. Maixner Sr., her children, Rachel D. Morris (Brian P.), Abigail K. Maixner-Eichberg (Brant T.), Albert K. Maixner, Jr. (Rae A.), and Alexander A.L. Maixner (Jessica N.). Her children truly believed she was a great mother, but an even better grandmother. She will be greatly missed by her dear grandchildren, Aurora M. Eichberg, Lawson A. Eichberg, Kennedy M. Maixner, Albert K. Maixner III, Alexander A.L. Maixner, Jr., Madelynn K. Maixner, and Carter J. Maixner, and her step-grandchildren Chelsea A. Morris, Tyler P. Morris (deceased), Brittany E. Morris, Ariana J. Eichberg and many other family and friends.

Services: Visitation at Kutis South County Chapel (5255 Lemay Ferry Road, Saint Louis, Missouri 63129), Friday, June 26, 2026 from 4:00-8:00pm. Funeral from Kutis South County Chapel, Saturday, June 27, 2026, 9:30am to Assumption Mattese Catholic Church (4725 Mattis Road, Saint Louis, Missouri 63128) for 10:00am mass. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Assumption Mattese Catholic Church, Black Madonna Shrine, Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness to honor Diane’s memory.