Hopkins, MI, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, 28 May 2006, in the presence of his family. A retired Upjohn company chemist and faithful lifelong member of the Lutheran church, he enjoyed his retirement at the family farm in Hopkins. Max met his wife Lorraine at Faith Lutheran Church in Detroit, MI, was a charter member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Portage, MI, where he taught Sunday school, and more recently attended Immanuel Lutheran Church in Allegan and Hopkins United Methodist Church. He pursued his lifelong love of music in earlier years through barbershop singing in SPEBSQSA, and in singing with and playing trumpet for church groups. Max began learning to play the bagpipes in his 30's and later taught beginners and played frequently at local and regional events as a soloist and with the Kalamazoo Pipe Band. He enjoyed travel to visit family and with friends in the "GEMS" group. Max liked historical sites and programs and was an active member of the Allegan County Historical Society. Max was born 11 August 1927 in Yale, MI, grew up in Detroit, MI and served in the U.S. Navy during WW II and the Korean conflicts. He graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in chemistry. During his second tour of duty, the Hudson Motorcar Company, where he was involved with their racing team, folded. He married Lorraine Kruse on 22 May 1954 and they moved to "downtown" Portage, and later built the second house in the Colony Woods subdivision in Texas Corners, where Max spent three decades outwitting generations of squirrels and attempting to establish a lush lawn among the oaks. Max was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Lila Knuth. An only child, he grew close to Lorraine's extended family and enjoyed the annual reunions and special events with "The Kruse Clan". Lorraine, his devoted & loving wife of 52 years, cared for and comforted Max though his long recent illnesses, along with his daughter and son-in-law, Kirstin and Tadd Heft. His sons and daughters-in-law, Mark & Kim Knuth and Dean & Jane Knuth, and his granddaughters, Megan & Rachel Heft and Martha & Ellen Knuth, were a delight to Max and he to them. Max was a peaceful man who defused dissent and spread smiles with his active and innovative wit. Those who attended Max & Lorraine's 50th anniversary party will be pleased that all of the planned arrangements will occur on locations served by dry, paved roads. The family will receive friends from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel. Private interment Maplewood Cemetery, Hopkins Twp. A Celebration Service of Max's life will be held Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Hopkins United Methodist Church Hall "Hum Hall". Memorial contributions may be made to ELCA World Hunger.