Max Hollander 1937-2022
Max LeRoy Hollander, 85, Topeka, passed away at the Legend at Capital Ridge on Aug. 26, 2022, in Topeka.
Max was born March 11, 1937, in Mayetta, the son of Joseph Franklin and Louise Christine (Wagner) Hollander. He grew up in Whiting and graduated from Whiting High School in 1955.
Max married Lois Freeborn. To this union they shared two daughters, Linda and Brenda. They later divorced.
In 1979, Max was united in marriage to Sharon Joy May, welcoming two more daughters, Deb and Beckie, and a son, Robert, into a blended family.
Max served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1958, during the Korean War, as Staff Sergeant. During his time in Germany, he built bridges on the Rhine River. Max retired from Goodyear after 32 years of service. He provided van rides for other Goodyear workers for many years, meeting at the Quality Oil Gas Station in Holton.
He enjoyed fishing, gardening, hulling and picking many bushels of black walnuts, which he generously shared. He enjoyed putting in a large garden, sharing with family and friends and donating an abundance to the Rescue Mission. A visit to Grampa Max’s farm always included gator rides for all the kids, big and small. He had the best fish fry gatherings for family and friends. He put his hands to work making wooden crosses and walking sticks, which he shared as a symbol of his faith and love. He always loved taking Sharon to the Sidney Rodeo.
Max was an easy man to love and will be missed by many. He had an impact on everyone he met. His humor was quiet but deep; those who knew him well will miss the mischievous twinkle in his eyes as he told stories from his time in the Army or on the farm.
Survivors include his wife Sharon of the home; four daughters, Linda Hollander (Jim) of Gentry, Ark., Brenda Yingst of Rogers, Ark., Deb Barrow (Dan) of Denison and Beckie Lux (Tyrone) of Topeka; a son, Robert Lux of Denison; a sister, Rosemary Thonen of Circleville; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Max was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Sharon Summer; and his brother, John F. Hollander.
Graveside services with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 1 at the Larkinburg Cemetery, Larkinburg. Max will lie in state at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30 and Wednesday, Aug. 31.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Holton VFW or the Holton American Legion, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. Max’s family would like to thank Ascend Hospice and Legend at Capital Ridge staff for caring and loving their father during this stage of life’s journey. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
