Obituaries

Max Marvin Westrich

June 08, 1952 - March 09, 2024

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Obituary For Max Marvin Westrich

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.

A Celebration of Max’s Life is planned for Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave, Madison. A memorial gathering will be held in Fort Wayne, Indiana at a later date.

To view and sign this guestbook please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Ave.

608-249-8257

Services

8 Jun

Celebration of Life Gathering

01:00 PM - 03:00 PM

Olbrich Botanical Gardens 3330 Atwood Ave Madison, WI 53704 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • April 26, 2024

    I wish I had known Max longer and on a deeper level than I was able to. Nonetheless, I am forever grateful to have known him at all. I was honored to have met Max and his wife Vicki through Jonah, one of my best friends. Earlier on following our introduction, they would have me over for dinner, where I became familiar with the kind and loving soul. Max would get excited to spend time and take us out on his boat, one of his favorite things to do. We would share many stories and laughs before having to come in for the evening, where at times we would cap the night off around a bonfire. So many great memories, yet wish more were made. Max will be surely missed, and I'll be forever thankful to have been invited aboard his life.

  • April 08, 2024

    Maxy - Josie and I will miss you! Loved spending time with you during gatherings with mutual friends- specifically the UUMC extended choir group from the 80s. I remember well also us escorting each other to our vehicles following Bruce's memorial service! You leave behind a big hole in our hearts but we are so fortunate to have known you!

  • April 02, 2024

    Vicki and Jonah- I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Max. What a pleasure it was to know him. He was such a kind and wonderful person. I am thinking of you and sending you love and comfort.- Amy Sergeant

  • March 30, 2024

    My deep condolences to Vicki and Jonah.

  • March 30, 2024

    Vicki I am so sorry for your loss. Max was a great guy! Peace

  • March 26, 2024

    I have had a lifelong sisterly relationship w/ Vicki and our work at The MHC. I respect their deep love, commitment and devotion to one another, till death. Jonah was the Apple of their eyes; and such a mixture of both of them. Such deeply loving parents! I will always remember Max for his creativity, generosity, love for his family , and his warmth and wit. RIP- not dealt a good hand w/ his lung issues/ complications but was a warrior and a wonderful man. May he live on in Jonah and may your lives continue to honor him. Love, Jacqui

  • March 24, 2024

    Vicki and Jonah, I am so sorry to hear about Max. Max and I worked together at Madison Newspaper's, and for while we were teamed together as design partners. Max taught me a lot and I became a better designer because of him. All those in the department worried about him when he started to get ill. We were very relieved when he got his transplant and then sadden when he had to retire. He always made everyone laugh and was such a joy to work with. He will be surely missed. Deepest sympathies. Kathy Goldade

  • March 24, 2024

    Vickie & Jonah: Remembering our visit with you and Max several years ago. Max took his sister, Vickie, Ron, and me boating. He was in his element! Speeding across the lake so fast the shirt I had been wearing over my bathing suit, and had taken off and laid on the seat, blew right out of the boat and was lost forever. Max never stopped smiling! An example of his wit: Max and I happened to be visiting Vickie in the hospital at the same time, after her knee surgery. She had brought with her a lamp, book, pillow, and snacks from home, and Max quipped, "all she needs is a braided rug." Such a great loss. You will feel his spirit and love forever. I hope he is sailing on an eternal sea. Ron and Joan Huber

  • March 23, 2024

    Vicki, your Threshold sisters will continue to stand with you in your grief, and honor both you and Max with song. -Jenni

  • March 23, 2024

    Oh, Max...so many memories of times spent together in joy and happiness. May you be at peace and rest and may you be free of all pain. Vicki and Jonah...our hearts are broken and we lift prayers for your healing. I will never forget the many Rose Bowl watch parties, the bonfires, the boating...seared into my memory and bring a smile to my face. Love forever, Mary Ann

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