We recently got back from Arizona where we went to a memorial service for our friend Max. Several people have requested that I post the poem that I wrote and read at his service. So here it is. I hope it gives a glimpse of the amazing person our friend Max was. We loved him a lot!
Our Friend Max
Maximilian… Frederick… Steinbuchel… the third
Was a cheerful man with character…and a man who kept his word
He was often very mischievous… with a twinkle in those dark eyes
When he’d tell us all his stories…sometimes whimsy in disguise
Oh he’d try to pull your leg sometimes…but most of them were true
You see our Max was very wise…and he’d share his wisdom too
Teaching others was his game…in the school that we call life
He taught his daughters… sons-in-law,… Ethan…and his wife
He was always reading for enjoyment…took a book on every trip
One of his favorite pastimes…mostly fiction… sometimes quip
He kept current with the news… stocks, and real estate, and prime
He knew something about everything…even how to stretch a dime
He was oh so very generous…and his heart we all could see
Especially with Ethan…when he’d make him squeal with glee
Yes ole’ Poppy loved his grandson from the day that he was born
And he was proud of both his daughters…to his girls his love was sworn
To his friends he pledged his loyalty…always helping where he could
The Max that we all knew and loved… was sometimes ornery…sometimes good
He did his job with dedication…working hard to do it right
Often burning both ends of the candle… and burning oil into the night
He could run with the… great…big .. dogs… and play so hard at life
And playful banter… I remember… with the girl he made his wife
Oh he loved to tease with most of us…that’s the way he showed he cared
He’d inquire about our families and listen while we shared
He had such a spirit of adventure… just like a little kid
We loved to join him on vacations…and had a ball each time we did
We could sit and watch a movie, pass the popcorn in the bowl
Or eat out in a nice restaurant and let the conversation roll
Max and Toni they loved game time… usually Max got stuck with me
John and Toni played as partners… and won the games too easily!
“Sorry Max” I’d always canter…but he didn’t really care
He would smile…his eyes would twinkle… as he sat there in his chair
This man was strong… and he endured much… especially this past year
But his faith in God didn’t falter… and hope replaced the fear
I keep seeing him in heaven as he walks and jumps with glee
No more canes for Maximilian…no more pain with bended knee
Yes, he’s hanging out with angels…spending time with Jesus too
Taking in the awesome beauty…and waiting there for me and you
How do you say... “I love you”… when our Max has gone ahead
By remembering him fondly…all he said… and all he did
By standing by his family…loving them…and being there
Honor Max …and love his Toni… keep his family in your prayers
By Linda Hogeland
September 2010
After the service we went to a reception in his honor, and when we were leaving this is what the sky looked like. I had to snap a couple of pictures to remember how beautiful and peaceful it felt!
I am joining in on Wednesday's Walk today. If you would like to add a memory with us just click on the button and Jenilee will tell ya how to join in.
