Max Westrich
June 08, 1952 - March 09, 2024
Obituary
Max Marvin Westrich was born to Eunice J. Westrich and Ralph M. “Whitey” Westrich in Fort Wayne, Indiana on June 8, 1952. He passed away by natural causes at his home in Madison, Wisconsin on March 9, 2024.
Max grew up in the idyllic community of Indian Village residing with his parents, his sister Vickie, and their maternal grandmother Maude (Nan) Myers. He was a graduate of Elmhurst High School after which he earned his Graphic Arts Degree from Indiana University, Fort Wayne. Max married his high school sweetheart, Vicki Louise Berry, on June 22, 1974, at Christ United Methodist Church. While in college Max lived in the Fort Wayne Arts district after which he and his wife Vicki took a VW Bus road trip across the United States, returning to settle in Madison where they made their home and welcomed their son, Jonah.
Over his career Max worked for several advertising agencies and marketing departments, the last of which was The Capital Times Newspaper until his medical illness necessitated an early retirement in 2014. On October 25, 2014, Max became the recipient of a Gift of Life by a lung transplant, and he partnered with his University of Wisconsin & Clinics Transplant Teams, living courageously for over nine years from that date.
Max was passionate about the natural world and relished boating, camping and the Arts. He enjoyed volunteering for the Madison School and Community Recreation Dept (MSCR) providing pontoon cruises on Lakes Monona and Mendota to highlight what he personally found to be the “Best of Madison”. He adored his family, friends and pets and will be long remembered for his generosity, warmth, wit, and creativity.
Max was preceded in death by his parents, Eunice and Whitey Westrich and brother-in-law Lawrence (Larry) Keaney.
Max is survived by his loving wife, Vicki (Berry) Westrich; son, Jonah W. Westrich of Madison; sister, Vickie Keaney of Fort Wayne, IN. He is further survived by his sisters and brothers-in-laws Deb and Steve Alles, Ben and Michelle Berry all of Fort Wayne, IN.
Memorials in Max’s name may be made to The National Park Service (NPS) or a charity of your choice.
Max’s Memorial Gathering taking place at The Goeglein Homestead, 7311 Maysville Rd., Fort Wayne, Indiana from 1:00-4:00 p.m., Saturday, July 6, 2024 will include a Buffet Lunch. Reflections on Max’s life will be read at 2:00 p.m.
A Celebration of Max’s Life previously took place at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin on Saturday, June 8, 2024.
To view and sign this guestbook please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N. Sherman Ave.
608-249-8257