Service Information
Barbara J. Max, wife of Ronald, age 84, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, October, 16, 2023, at Woodstone Senior Living in Hutchinson.
Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023, 11:00 A.M., at Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, with interment in Gaylord City Cemetery in Gaylord, Minnesota.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023, from 4:00-7:00 P.M., at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorials preferred to Meghan’s Place, Relay for Life McLeod County Chapter American Cancer Society, Alzheimers’s Association.
Visitation/Gathering
Dobratz-Hantge Chapel
899 Highway 15 South
Hutchinson, MN
Website:hantge.com
Funeral Chapel
Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel
899 Highway 15 South
Hutchinson, MN 55350
Phone:(320) 587-2128
Obituary
Barbara Jean Max was born on April 13, 1939, in Alexandria, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Howard and Marion (Robinson) Beck. Barbara was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in her faith as a youth. She received her education in Morris, Minnesota, and was a graduate of the Morris High School Class of 1957. She was valedictorian of her class. She was homecoming queen and participated in choir, speech and debate. She was a state champion in Speech and qualified and participated in the National Speech competition at the University of Kentucky in 1957. She graduated from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Later in life she went to also get a degree in Public Health from the University of Minnesota.
On September 17, 1961, Barbara was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Ronald Max at Federated Church in Morris, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with three sons, Kevin, Michael, and Marc. Barbara and Ron resided in Brownton for 4 years, Gaylord for 38 years, and later moved to Hutchinson, Minnesota in 2004. They shared 61 years of marriage.
Barbara was employed as a Registered Nurse at the Veteran’s Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Glencoe Regional Health in Glencoe, Minnesota. She was the Public Health Nurse for Sibley County and School Nurse for the Gaylord Public Schools for 32 years in Gaylord, Minnesota. Barbara retired in 1997. She was a member of United Church of Christ in Gaylord where she served on numerous boards, including President of the church. She loved singing in the church choir. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, serving on the council. Barbara was also a member of the PEO in Hutchinson. She served on the Infant Mortality Review Board for Minnesota. She served on various boards with the Minnesota Department of Health. She worked with the child protection program in Sibley County. For years she chaired the Sibley County blood drive. She was a Hospice nurse in Gaylord and continued that service by volunteering for Hospice in Hutchinson and co-chairing annual Hospice fundraising banquets. In 2014 she was named Hutchinson Woman of the Year.
Barb’s greatest gift was her ability to connect with individuals and help them just when they needed it the most. Her Faith guided her and was a light she would shine for others to see. There was nothing more important to her than her strong Faith in God.
Barbara enjoyed traveling, reading, and cooking. She especially enjoyed spending time at their special cabin in Breezy Point with their up north friends. She also enjoyed playing Bridge, golfing, and attending sporting events. Barbara cherished spending time with her family, grandchildren and friends.
Barbara passed away on Monday, October 16, 2023, at Woodstone Senior Living in Hutchinson, at the age of 84 years.
Blessed be her memory.
Barbara is survived by her:
Husband, Ronald Max of Hutchinson, MN;
Sons, Kevin Max and his wife, Peg of Delano, MN,
Michael Max and his wife, Jennifer of Eden Prairie, MN,
Marc Max and his wife, Michele of Hutchinson, MN;
Grandchildren, Joseph (Rachel), John (Clare), Bridget, Amy, Cassidy, Colton, Hannah, Mitchell;
Great-grandchildren, Sophie and Hadley Max, Calvin and Juliet Max;
Brother, Kenneth Beck and his wife, Joyce of Austin, TX;
Sister-in-law, Diane Feuhtenberger of Morris, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.
Barbara is preceded in death by her Parents, Howard and Marion Beck; Brother-in-law, Wallace Feuhtenberger.
Reader Interactions
Comments
Betty & Roger Henke says
Very fond memories of this beautiful nurse friend. Thanking God for her influence on many. Our sympathy to you, her family.
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Marc & Jen Telecky says
Our sympathies to you and your family Marc & Michelle. I know this has been a long journey. God’s blessings!
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Karen Snow says
It was a wonderful pleasure to take care of Barb at Woodstone Senior Living. She has left so many wonderful memories in my heart. I am going to miss you so much Barb, all the times you greeted me with open arms on overnights, the times I told you that you would still see me in the morning, your little smooches on my cheek, your hand shakes, your hugs, everything! Your husband and kids are the sweetest! Until we meet again Barb, I love you!!
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Sharon Uecker says
She was a marvelous person and nurse!! She helped my family through some pretty tough times!! Deepest sympathy to her family.
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Maggie Pflanz says
So extremely sad to hear about Mrs. Max passing. She was my elementary school nurse, water aerobics participate when I taught/ life-guarded at the Gaylord Pool. She always had a smile for everyone she came across. Rest In Peace!!!!???
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Jackie Hilgers says
My sympathies to the family of Mrs. Max. She was my elementary school nurse. Her kindness and compassion inspired me to become a nurse as well.
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Diane Dietz says
Deepest sympathy to the Max family. Many fond memories of their children being in same classes at Gaylord High School as ours especially the basketball games. May God give you comfort with many good memories.
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Paula Troldahl says
Mrs. Max was the best school nurse during my time at Gaylord Elementary and Gaylord High School. She left her mark on alot of people and will never be forgotten. Prayers to her family.
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Richard J M Nelson, Jr says
Barb was so loving toward our family. My parents, Dick and Margie Nelson, enjoyed the times they spent with Ron and Barb. In particular, I remember spending several wonderful days in at their home on the lake on two occasions.
Today, Mom (Margie) shared what an amazing person Barb was. And, how Mom’s heart goes out to Ron at the loss of his wife.
God bless all of you,
Rich NelsonReply
Traci Kreun says
I’m so sorry to hear this news. I have so many good memories of her as our school nurse and she would take care of me when I was young and my parents were away. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
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Sandy Wentzloff says
My deepest sympathy to the Max family. Barb was such a warm, sweet, fun, thoughtful, kind woman. Even when she couldn’t say my name she knew me and opened her arms for a big hug. So sorry for the loss of this wonderful woman.
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Julie Kloeckl says
Many wonderful memories of Barb as a school nurse and neighborhood mom. Me of the most gracious women I had the honor of knowing. Love to all the Max family!
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Brad Madsen says
During Brownton days back in the 60s, I delivered daily newspapers to the Max residence. On cold winter days, Barb would insist I come in to warm up. My brother Brian and I often babysat the Max boys. If it got late, we would usually fall asleep. Barb would wake us with a kiss and send us home across town with Ron. I remember Barb as a kind, cheerful person always wearing a smile.
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Tony and Marge Kloeckl says
Deepest Sympathy to the entire Max Family. Barb was a Great Friend, Great wife, a Great mother, a Great grandmother, a Great Gaylord community member, a Great Sibley County supporter, a Great Nurse, and a Great everything. Hugs and love to all of you ! God bless Barb and God bless all of you at this sad time. Love and Hugs from Tony, Marge and all the Kloeckls.
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Guy Berg says
I have many fond memories of Barb watching over the neighborhood kids on their yard an driveway. One of the nicest, most approachable and caring person I’ve known. My condolences and prayers.
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RaNae Tabbert Drexler says
My sincere sympathy to Ron and family. Barb was such a special person and a remarkable school nurse, not only caring for students but also putting in place new health programing to benefit students as well as a Medical Careers Club. Her caring manner and wealth of knowledge brought excellence to those she touched. As an inspirational friend, I remember a book “Basic Needs” she recommended to me many years ago. A book ahead of its time, its contents helped me so much in my later years as a tutor. Although many years have separated us, I will never forget her smile and laugh…she knew how to make you feel good. Thank you, Barb, for being a special part of my life.
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Sherri Ford says
My condolences to the Max family. Barb was such a kind, caring, and compassionate person.
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Kacey Tollefson says
So sorry to hear of Barbs passing! She was so loved by so many. I have so many fond memories of her as my elementary school nurse. She was such a calming presence to all the kids on days when they needed some tender care. Loved seeing her randomly and she was always smiling. Hugs to her family!
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Michael Zarnott says
She was always so kind to me and everyone else. Even when we didn’t deserve the kindness. My heartfelt condolences to her family.
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Jane Carlsonbrown says
Mrs. Max, Barbara, was a very kind, generous and living person. She went to the Church I grew upat. She was our school nurse! She was a true Blessing to everyone bshe met! She will truly be missed! RIP! CONDOLENCES TO THE MAX FAMILY! GOD BLESS!
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Tom&Kris Hebeisen says
Barb was a blessing in so many lives. Thank you, Ron, Kevin, Mike, & Marc for sharing her with the communities. May God give you peace & comfort & good memories.
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Terri Miller Kemmerer says
So many sweet memories of Barb’s kindness and warm smile. She was a blessing and friend to so many when they needed it??. My thoughts and prayers are with Ron, Kevin, Mike, Marc and family.
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Sue (Seemann) Liljenberg says
Barb Max, a wonderful Gaylord memory! From school nurse to friend. She was always so easy to talk to. One of my grandma’s walking buddies. Talked to her through the years (mostly funerals), a few times, like the old days! She will be so missed! Love and prayers to the hole family, especially Kevin, Mike and Mark.
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Rod Tollefson says
Barb has a beautiful soul that will live on forever. She was the perfect nurse, welcoming, caring and comforting. Even though I haven’t seen her in a while, I will always remember her smile. She was a very special person. Her memories will always bring joy. Prayers to you Ron and the boys. Find comfort in the thought of her with God in heaven!
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Cheryl Buboltz says
I am so sorry to hear of Barb’s death. She was always such a lovely lady. I always enjoyed visiting with her and will miss her hugs. My deepest sympathy to your entire family.
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Wanda Rose DeRemer says
Though it’s been many years since I’ve seen her, the memory of an incredibly warm, kind, sympathetic & fun person is vivid. Any time you saw her, your day was better – she had that gift and she gave it to everyone. So grateful to have known her and so sorry for your loss.
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Joan Toenies Elton says
How blessed we were to have been the recipients of Mrs. Max’s many kindnesses through the years as students at Gaylord. I will forever remember her gentle words and healing touches. It was also wonderful getting to know her while babysitting the young Max boys. She was a terrific mother and mentor. My deepest condolences to Ron, Kevin, Mike and Marc at this sad time.
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Marc Knoche says
Such a fine person. My condolences to Ron, Kevin, Mike, Marc and the entire Max family. Barb will be remembered fondly by all of us lucky enough to have known her.
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Larry and Debbie Podratz says
Please accept our prayers. Sympathy and hugs for your whole family. She was one of the most kind.. caring.. loving people that I knew. She was always smiling and gave the best hugs. I have many fond memories of her and she will always hold a special place in my heart. God’s blessing to all of you through this very difficult time
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Kimberly Becker says
Barb was like a mother to all the children that came to her. Whether if they were sick, injured, or just needed to talk to someone. She touched many hearts at the Gaylord school. I’m so glad she was in my life growing up! Blessed be her memory! I love you Mrs. Max!
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Kris Paulmann Glaeset says
I have many memories of Mrs. Max as a caring school nurse. God has welcomed an angel home. Condolences to the family, may you find comfort in your memories.
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Leroy/Darlene Karg says
We will miss Barb’s wide open arm hugs and smile
Our sincere sympathies to the Max family at the loss of a very special person to you and many others
Ron, you did such a great job caring for Barb
Leroy and Darlene KargReply
Mert (Weir) Gohman says
My sympathy to your family. Barb was the school nurse when my children were in the Gaylord schools. She was loved by all and so good with the students. Such a loving person. She will be missed by many.
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Jay Zabel says
Barb was truly the kindest person I have ever known. Always remember her as a person who lived out her faith, and exemplified Jesus in everything she did. Never heard her speak an unkind word about anyone, going back to the Brownton days! So many great memories of that wonderful family, peace be with them.
Today, she dwells in Glory, certainly hearing the words “Well done my good and faithful servant!”Reply
Tom Deis says
Mrs Max was a great school nurse and a great neighborhood mom. She made amazing Kool Aid.
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Kristi Thompson-Munn says
Barb touched my heart and soul in ways I cannot explain. She was an my inspiration and my cheerleader while raising my kids. Her kind words and driving force helped me so much. When she saw me in church she embraced me and it meant the world to me! You can’t change the world, but one person can change your world!!
My heartfelt sympathies to the family!Reply
Paulette Pinske Lenz says
When my back spasmed in gym class and my mom wasn’t home, Barb drove me home, helped me get into bed and left a note for my mom. She was an amazing person. Though I’m sad for your loss I’m happy that she is now singing and dancing in heaven.
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Colleen Dietz says
So sorry for your loss. Mrs Max was such a wonderful, special school nurse and person. Her caring and kindness touched every one who was privileged to have met her. She was so loved by all. Sorry for not being at her funeral, just found out about it but you are all in our prayers. May you find comfort in all the treasured memories together. God’s blessings in your time of grief.
Colleen Dietz and familyReply
Lynette Froehlich says
She was an awesome nurse and a role model for so many of us. She blessed so many with her skills- she was our angel on earth!!
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Susan Adamson says
Barb was a terrific lady … a dear friend…I am so fortunate to have known her … my sympathies go out to Ron, Kevin, Mike, Mark and all of your beautiful families.
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Dennis & Barbara Burkstrand says
Our deepest sympathies to the Max family. Barbara was a beautiful person! She always had a smile and a willing hug. God bless the family with cherished memories!
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Amanda Rublein says
My thoughts to the Max family during this difficult time. I have fond memories of Cassie at age 3 1/2 and me looking through her photo albums with pictures of her with Ron and Barb. It really became part of our daily routine. I enjoyed Ron and Barb’s visits just as much as Cassie and getting to spend time with them on various holidays.
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Marvel & Don Blom says
I will miss Barb’s hugs when I go to visit my husband at Woodstone. She was such a sweet lady, always smiling and waiting for a couple of words from me and a hug, of course. Our condolences to the Max families.
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Joan Doering says
Dear RON.
I AM verry sorry to
,hear about Barb, I enjoyed working for her a her care giver, and also cleaning for you two. she will be in my heart forever.
GOD’S BLESSING TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES. JOAN DOERING
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Barbara Hoppe says
Sending prayers and condolences to Ron, and his family. Barbara was one of the most loving person, and I’ll miss her hugs after church services. Ron you were her rock, and the one who took care of her so well. She will always be fondly remembered. She was truely a beautiful child of Gods. God bless you and your family.
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Karen Lindquist Herman says
Growing up and attending high school in Morris it was always a pleasure to know Barb and Ron. They were our high school royalty and the kindest couple to everyone. I am so sorry Barb is gone . Please accept my condolences, Max family.
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Susan Weckwerth says
Today, my sister told me of the passing of Mrs. Max…I’m heartbroken…she was in my thoughts just last month…what a wonderful and beautiful lady…so giving and loving…she took great care of us all…in so many ways.
We will all cherish her, forever
Sending Marc and family all my best.Reply
