Max Nelson

Maxwell Ronald Nelson will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to know him. We take comfort in the knowledge that he passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. Family was important to Max, and he is survived by three children and approximately 100,000 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren (give or take).

Max was born on September 4, 1924 in Detroit, Michigan to Maude and James Nelson. He was the youngest of twelve children. Growing up in a large family during the Depression Era led Max to be a hard-working and resourceful individual. Like many young men of his generation, Max enlisted in the military to aid his country. During World War II, Max served as a gunner’s mate in the Navy, making multiple tours around the world. Max’s time in the Navy was a big part of who he was. It provided him the opportunity to serve the country he loved and fostered a love for boating.

The other, and true, love of his life was Virginia L’Esperance. They met while working in Detroit and soon were married. Max and Virginia made their home in St. Clair Shores, where they raised their family. Virginia had two daughters, Carol and Dorothy, who Max loved as his own. They were blessed with three more children: Joanne, Matt, and Billy. The family grew, and everyone looked to Max as a role model. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and pass on the skills he had learned.

Max had a creative streak that wasn’t always obvious. If you were lucky, he would show you his collection of drawings from his childhood. Professionally, Max worked for General Motors as a draftsman. His design skills were put to good use when he set to building a cottage on a plot of land along the Au Gres River. This cottage has hosted countless family gatherings, and most of us here have fond memories of times spent “up north.” Fishing, boating, bonfires, euchre, jumping off the dock, giant ice cream cones, and infamous pontoon rides make up the stories we so happily recount.

After his beloved wife, Virginia, passed away in 2001, Max made Au Gres his year-round home. He spent many years enjoying the view from the porch. In time, Max moved back downstate to be closer to family. The last years of Max’s life were spent at American House in Sterling Heights, Michigan. American House was a comfortable fit for Max, and he particularly enjoyed the musical entertainment. It was a surprise to his family when Max began singing and showed off his amazing voice. He had kept this talent hidden for close to 90 years. Max’s favorite song to sing was “God Bless America,” and we all talk about that day he proudly belted it out at the VFW.

By and large, Max was best known for his sense of humor. He was always telling jokes and saying silly things. Below are a few of the better-known “Max-isms.” Even though we had heard them approximately 100,000 times (give or take), we couldn’t help but laugh.

Max-isms

• Our family is backwards because our feet smell and our noses run

• Noses run in our family

• You can pick your friends, and you can pick your nose, but you can’t pick your friend’s nose

• I left my pants in my other wallet

• Eat every carrot and pea (pee) on your plate

• A skeleton walked into a bar and asked for a beer and a mop.

• Take a long walk on a short pier

• Jump off the dock three times and come out twice

• The tall, short, fat, thin guy

• A beer and a snort

• Ground socks (a reference to grated parmesan cheese)

• One smart feller, he felt smart. Two smart fellers, they felt smart. Three smart fellers, they all smelt fart.

Love always,

Max Schneizick