Max W. Calder

Mr. Max Calder, 86, longtime resident of DeWitt Township, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family. The devoted and loving son of Leo and Lucille (Brya) Calder, Max was born on December 15, 1938, in Lansing, Michigan. He was a lifelong resident of the Lansing area and a dedicated public servant whose legacy will long be remembered by those who knew him.

A graduate of St. Johns High School, while serving in the U.S. Army, Max had a life-changing experience when he reconnected with long-lost cousins in Belfort, France. Fluent in French, he built lasting bonds with his extended family overseas—relationships that endured for decades and brought great meaning to his life.

After serving in the U.S. Army, Max began his professional life at General Motors where he worked for 38 years as a skilled tradesman in pipe fitting, and eventually retiring in 2001. He was a proud member of UAW Local 652. He also served as an alternate committee man for approximately nine years across three terms, championing workers’ rights with fairness and integrity. His unwavering commitment to labor advocacy and his colleagues earned him great respect throughout the plant and union community.

Max’s passion for civic engagement extended far beyond the workplace. Over several decades, he served DeWitt Township and Clinton County in numerous elected and appointed roles. In 1980, he was elected Clinton County Commissioner for District 9. He later chaired the Planning Commission and was elected to the DeWitt Charter Township Board of Trustees in 1996.

During his tenure as Trustee from 1996 to 2000 and again from 2004 to 2012, Max contributed to many facets of township governance. He served on the Parks and Recreation Commission, Public Safety Committee, Standing Personnel Committee, Sewer Board of Appeals, Election Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Corridor Improvement Authority, and various ad-hoc committees. In addition to his trustee duties, he was a member of the Southern Clinton County Municipal Utilities Authority (SCCMUA) beginning in 2003. Throughout his time in public service, he had a unique ability to be impartial, and to be able to see and respect other peoples’ points of views while still advocating for his constituent base and finding common ground.

In recognition of his enduring commitment to public service and community betterment, Max was honored with an Outstanding Citizen Award in 2013—a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much of himself to the place he called home.

Max was also a proud member of St. Jude Catholic Church in DeWitt and participated in the Oldsmobile Golf League during his working and retirement years. An avid outdoorsman, he found joy in golf, hunting, and fishing. He and his beloved wife Joan Marion (Fosnight) Calder—his partner for 59 years until her passing—shared a love for travel that took them across the country and abroad.

In retirement, Max cherished time spent in Hulbert, Michigan with Joan, his daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren. Together they enjoyed the peace and natural beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—a place that brought both serenity and joy.

Max was preceded in death by his wife Joan in December of 2024; brothers Robert Calder and Dale Calder; and other loved ones who went before him.

He is lovingly remembered by his daughters: Angelique Calder of Waunakee, WI; Monique Page (Tory) of Franklin, TN; Nicole Pasikowski (Steven) of East Lansing, MI; and Michelle Calder of Brighton, MI. His legacy continues through his beloved grandchildren: Jordan Page of Scottsdale, AZ; Wesley Pasikowski of Okemos, MI; Jason Pasikowski of East Lansing, MI; Jack Copeland and Taylor Copeland of Waunakee, WI; and Quinton Page of Franklin, TN.

The visitation will take place on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, between the hours of 4 – 7:00 PM at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home – DeWitt Chapel, 205 E. Washington Street, DeWitt

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Jude Catholic Church, 801 N. Bridge Street, DeWitt on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 10 AM. Max will lie in state at church beginning at 9:30 AM until the Funeral Mass.

Rite of Committal will follow at DeWitt Cemetery and Military Honors will be rendered under the auspices of the United States Army.

Our sincerest wish is for you to join us in paying tribute to Max Calder's remarkable journey — a reflection of Max’s belief that time shared with loved ones is life’s greatest gift. In honor of Max's memory, for those who wish, the family greatly appreciates donations to the Parkinson's Foundation or charity of their choice.

Max was loved by all who knew him and will be remembered for his quick wit and kind and gentle nature. May Max’s memory bring comfort and serve as an enduring reminder of a life lived with purpose, advocacy, and heart. He will be greatly missed; his memory will endure in our hearts forever.