Della Maxine (Ries) Schmalen, 74, a Belvidere resident for over 45 years, died Sunday, November 11, 2007 in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, with her loving family at her side, after a short illness. Maxine was born July 6, 1933 in Mason City, IA the daughter of Delbert H. and Gail (Woodside) Ries. She married Mr. Bernard P. Schmalen on May 22, 1951 in Charles City, Iowa. She worked for Arnold Engineering in Marengo, IL as a Core/Packer for 32 years. In her spare time, Maxine enjoyed sewing, crocheting, baking, cooking and shopping; but her favorite was time spent with family and friends. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church and IAM&AW, Local 1832.Survivors include her husband, Bernard P. Schmalen; daughters and sons, Joseph (Debra) Schmalen, Gail (Kurt) Bryan, Daniel (Karen) Schmalen, Teresa (John) Stumpf, Catherine (Jimmy) Grimes all of Belvidere, IL; sisters and brothers, David (Jean) Ries of Belvidere, IL, Joanne Schmidt of Charles City, IL, Janice Schrage of Green, IA, Gordan (Tanny) Ries of Burlington, VT; grandchildren, Aimee (Nathan) Hansen, Ryan Schmalen and fiancé Susan McIntyre, Brent and Brandon Bryan, Brittney Peters, Brianna Grimes, Jordan and Jacey Schmalen, Shianna (Brandon) Keegan, Coty Stumpf, Jenny (Eddie) Barnas and Andy Vineyard; 5 Great-Grandchildren. Maxine is predeceased by her parents, brothers, John, Roger, Darrell and Jim Ries; sister, Frances Schmidt; grandson Nicholas Peters.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given in care of her family.