Max E. Purcell

Mr. Max E. Purcell, age 93 years of Newaygo, passed away after a short illness on Tuesday afternoon, February 14, 2017 at his home.  He was born on August 13, 1923 in Garfield Township, Michigan to Milan & Hazel (Smith) Purcell.  Max was a member of Newaygo Congregational United Church of Christ, he was a lifelong farmer, and he had been employed at Sun Oil Company in the 1950's.  He had also been a member of the Newaygo Lions Club for 50 years, and he had been a Fremont Public School Board Member during the 1970's.  Max grew up as a child during the depression, and because of that there was nothing the he couldn't make.  He was a motorcycle enthusiast, he loved to spend winters in Florida with his wife, and he loved dogs, especially his beloved Sadie.  On October 9, 1943 he married Doris M. Strohpaul and she survives him along with 2 children:  Timothy Max (Sandra "Dewey") Purcell of Newaygo, Jane Ellen (Wayne "Newt") Porter of Fremont; 2 grandchildren:  John (Rachel) Purcell, Angela (Greg) Pummel; 2 great grandchildren:  Ryan (Samantha) Huismann, Andrew Huismann; 1 great great granddaughter, Lexi Grace Huismann; 1 sister, Nancy (Jose) Hauser of Newaygo; 2 brothers-in-law:  William (Shirley) Barends of Fremont, Don (Miriam) Strohpaul of Newaygo; and several nieces & nephews.  Max was preceded in death by his brother, John Robert Purcell; and by his sister, Janet Barends.  According to his wishes cremation has taken place, and a Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at Newaygo Congregational United Church of Christ (432 Quarterline) with Pastor Jonathan Riedel officiating.  There will also be a time of visiting with the family at the church from 10-11 AM on Saturday.  Interment will be in Garfield Township Cemetery.  Suggested Memorial:  Newaygo Congregational United Church of Christ.  You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com.  Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont.            

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