Maxwell "Max" Kluck

Maxwell Lawrence Kluck, age 57, of Junction City, story teller, lover of the outdoors and casual dresser, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at his home.

Funeral services will be held 6:30pm Thursday, October 9, 2014 at the Pisarski/Dzikoski Funeral Home at 703 Second St. in Stevens Point. Friends and relatives may call from 3:30pm to 6:30pm with a prayer service being said at 6:30pm. A private burial will be held for immediate family at a later date in the Guardian Angel cemetery.

"Max" was born in 1957 in Great Lakes, Illinois to Lawrence and Camille Kluck. After moving to Stevens Point, he graduated from the Stevens Point Area Senior High as part of the class of 1975.

Max's gently outgoing personality could only be outweighed by his love for his family. He married the love of his life, Marilyn Betro, 35 years ago in a beautiful ceremony that marked the beginning of the most important treasure in his life; his family. He proudly watched his sons grow into young men and was particularly proud of the two twinkles in his eyes, his granddaughters.

Max's working career consisted of plastering during his energetic early years and then servicing Shopko and Wal-Mart customers for many years thereafter. Thousands of customers benefitted from his patient and helpful demeanor over the span of his career. Many Black Friday stories were shared where he had to state to the lines of earlybird shoppers "If you don't let me through this line, none of you are getting in. I have the key to unlock the store!" He harbored a heart full of kindness that left a trail of happy and entertaining memories with his fellow coworkers. It was often said that he made work more enjoyable.

His personality was fueled by the youngest generation and many a mother benefitted from his love for cuddling, comforting and entertaining their children. Photo after photo can be found of a smiling Max holding a soothed infant or toddler in his arms. Max particularly enjoyed participating in 90 FM's World's Largest Trivia Contest where he was a proud, and sometimes loud-snoring, member of Nightmare Squad. His ability to retain a plethora of trivial bits was often showcased by his ability to awaken, mid-snore, to shout out the correct answer before falling back into his slumber.

Max's favorite eating establishment, Southpoint Restaurant, was a regular stop for him when he was on the south side, which was frequently. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and nothing pleased him more than a good visit with a relative or friend.

Santa was very lucky to have Max as his naturally rosy-cheeked, no padding needed, stand-in during many Shopko holiday shopping experiences as well as home visits when Santa's schedule was overbooked!

Max and his family were active participants in the Take a Kid Fishing Day and Special Olympics.
He loved Karaoke, the Packers, the Brewers, get-togethers and socializing.

Max is survived by his family that includes sons Quinn Kluck of Junction City and Carl (Rebecca) Kluck , Stevens Point. Granddaughters; Kaylee and Harper Kluck. His mother, Camille Kluck of Stevens Point, two brothers: Daniel (Barb) Kluck, Stevens Point and Paul (Brenda) Kluck, Marshfield. Two sisters; Debbie (Jim) Nowak and Sandi (Brian) Dachyk, both of Stevens Point, his adopted kitty, Kadia and many nieces, nephews, godchildren and grandpets.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence, and his beloved wife, Marilyn.

Max was a true source of courage, inspiration, hope and laughter. He loved life and his ability to patiently deal with and accept life as it was handed to him provides an inspiration to us all.