Max Benson Neher

January 21, 1931 – August 28, 2026

Max Benson Neher, 95, of Livonia, Michigan, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 28, 2026. Max spent his final days in the home of his daughter, Cindy Scaglione, who lovingly cared for him and his son, Timothy.

Max was born January 21, 1931, in Frankfort, Indiana, to Elda and Maude Neher. He was the youngest of four children, joining his siblings Fred, Patsy, and Stanley, all of whom preceded him in death. His parents were devoted Christians who raised their children in the Baptist Church. They lived through the Great Depression, worked hard for very little, and nevertheless created a loving home for their children. The strong Christian example they gave Max remained with him throughout his life.

Max spent part of his childhood in Florida but spent most of his life in the Detroit area. He attended Detroit Public Schools but entered the workforce before graduating. His strong work ethic became one of the defining characteristics of his life.

On May 29, 1952, Max married the love of his life, Gloria Lou Neher, at Knox Presbyterian Church in Detroit. Max was 21 and Gloria was 20 when they married. Together they shared 66 years of marriage and built a remarkable family before Gloria's passing on December 29, 2018.

Max began his career driving a truck for Tasty Steak Company in Detroit and eventually became a salesman for the company. He later joined United Brokerage Company, where he became a partner. He went on to become part owner of American Foods, a food brokerage company, and later worked for McMahon and McDonald and Acosta Food Brokerage Company. He finished his career working alongside his son Daniel at Neher Sales. True to his incredible work ethic, Max continued working until he was 85 years old.

Max and Gloria moved to Roseville, Michigan, after the birth of their first child, Norman. In 1974, they moved to Livonia, where they made their home for the next 55 years.

Although Max worked long hours to provide for his growing family, he and Gloria always made time to make wonderful memories together. Family vacations were important to them, and Florida was a favorite destination. Max loved the sun. One memorable adventure came when Max and Gloria packed their first five children into a station wagon and headed to California. With five children in the car, there were a few stops along the way to settle everyone down—and perhaps, on occasion, a raised voice or two from Mom and Dad.

Family was the defining love of Max's life. He loved being with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He loved family gatherings and especially enjoyed attending birthday celebrations for his grandchildren. Known affectionately as Granddaddy, he was a steady and loving presence through generations of his family.

Max was warm and caring, with a wonderful sense of humor and an ability to make people feel comfortable. Though he could be outgoing, he was more often quiet and reserved. He had exceptional people skills and treated everyone with kindness and respect. People simply loved Max. His children would say that his greatest strength was the depth of his love for his family, and he set an example of hard work, commitment, kindness, and devotion that they carried with them.

Max enjoyed many things throughout his life. In his younger years, he was an outstanding bowler and participated in many bowling leagues. Later, he traded his bowling shoes for golf clubs. He loved to golf—even though his family might generously describe him as a less-than-outstanding golfer. He especially enjoyed golfing with his sons, who were always happy to play because they knew they had a pretty good chance of beating Dad. Max loved spending time with his family at his lake homes, first on Lake Chemung and later at Houghton Lake.

Max was also a devoted Detroit sports fan. He loved watching the Detroit Tigers, Lions, and Pistons, a passion he shared with several of his sons.

His faith was quiet but deeply rooted. Max grew up in the Baptist Church, was baptized as a young man, and knew Jesus as his Savior. His faith was not something he needed to talk about often; he lived it through the way he loved and treated others. His family takes comfort in knowing that Max is now with the Savior he trusted throughout his life.

Max's devotion to family was especially evident in the care he and Gloria gave to their son Timothy. Both parents cared for Timmy throughout their lives. Max continued caring for Timothy after Gloria's passing, living independently and looking after his son until 2026, when Max and Timothy moved into the home of their daughter Cindy. Cindy lovingly cared for both her father and brother until Max's passing. She will continue caring for Timothy now that Max is gone. Her dedication and love were a tremendous gift to them.

Max leaves behind a family that is a testament to the life he and Gloria built together: nine children, 43 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Norman and Becky Neher; David and Brenda Neher; Cindy Scaglione; Daniel and Debbie Neher; Timothy Neher; Keith and Laurie Neher; Gary and Lucy Neher; Derek and Tammy Neher; and Heather and Jeff Schoppert. One grandchild and two great-grandchildren also preceded him in death.

Max's greatest legacy is not found in the businesses where he worked or the years he spent earning a living. It is found in the family he loved so deeply, the example he set, the lives he touched, and the generations that came after him. He worked hard, loved generously, laughed often, and remained faithful to the people who mattered most to him.

He will be deeply missed by his family and by all who had the privilege of knowing him. But his family can take comfort in knowing that the man they called Dad and Granddaddy is at peace and is now with Jesus.

Services:

Visitation

Harry J. Will Funeral Home

37000 Six Mile Road

Livonia, MI 48152

Sunday, August 30, 2026

2:00–8:00 p.m.

Celebration of Life:

Laurel Manor Event Center

39000 Schoolcraft Road

Livonia, MI 48150

Monday, August 31, 2026

11:00 a.m.