Max was born on March 22, 1943, in Granite City, Illinois, to Maximilian and Catherine Prusak, who preceded him in death.
Surviving him are his wife of 60 years Carolyn Pinkel Prusak and their two children, Scott Prusak and Stephanie Prusak (Jerry) Wolfe; 6 Grandchildren, Summer (Jake) Gipson, Sierra Williams, Seth Prusak, Joshua (Marietta) Prusak, Beau Wolfe and Caleb Wolfe; and 7 great-grandchildren.
Max graduated from Granite City High School in 1961 and then attended the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1965 and a Juris Doctor Degree in 1968.
He served as a Captain in the United States Air Force as a JAG officer 1969-1973. After the Air Force, he and his wife moved to Peoria, Illinois where he was an Attorney from 1973-2013.
In 1982 Max and Joe Winne founded the law firm of Prusak & Winne, Ltd. He was a member of the Peoria Bar Association where he served as president in 2000 and the Illinois State Bar Association where he served as chairman of the Law Office Section Council. He was also selected to the Leading Lawyers Network as a mediator and was chosen in 2025 as a “Pillar of the Peoria Bar”.
Max was active as a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Peoria, Illinois from 1974-2020 where he taught Sunday School for over 35 Years. He also served the church in various capacities. He is presently a member of Crossroads Global Methodist church in Washington, Illinois.
Max enjoyed being with his children, grandchildren, and helping others. He was an avid reader, listened to a wide range of music, and was a fan of the University of Illinois Football team and Bradley Basketball. His love of God shone through his in- depth study and sharing of the Bible with his Sunday school class, family and friends.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Crossroads Global Methodist Church in Washington, Illinois with Pastor Bob DeBolt officiating. Visitation will be held 9:00-11:00 a.m. prior to the 11:00 a.m. funeral service. Burial will be at Parkview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Owens Hospice Home, Peoria, Illinois or Crossroads Global Methodist Church in Washington, Illinois.
