Max Groebner
Max W. Groebner, 96, died Friday, Jan. 11, 2019, at Oak Hills Living Center in New Ulm.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 28, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in New Ulm. Pastor David Nissen will officiate. Burial will be at the Soldier’s Rest section of the City Cemetery in New Ulm at a later date.
Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 28, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.
Max is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ardis Groebner; daughter, Susan Nelson of New Ulm; sons, Joel (Danette) Groebner of Longmont, Colorado, and Michael (Diane) Groebner of New Ulm; six grandchildren, Tracy (Andrew) Nelson-Welker, Justin (Tammera) Nelson, Patrick (Xochilt) Groebner, Melia Groebner, Jared Groebner, Emerson (Troy) Kennedy; and four great-grandchildren, Anna, Abby, Bekah, and Elise Welker.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his 9 siblings, Cecelia, Frank, Barbara, Paul, Francis, Albert, Therese, Marie, and Leo; and his uncle, Joseph.
Max William Groebner was born on August 12, 1922, to Frank and Frances (Fuenfinger) Groebner at their home in Springfield. He attended St. Raphael Catholic grade school and graduated from Springfield High School. He was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army in October 1942, rising to the rank of sergeant and trained countless others in the Field Artillery. He was shipped out to France in January 1945, fighting both in France and Germany. Just a few years ago he was awarded the rank of “Knight” in the Order of the Legion of Honor from the French Government, in honor of his service there. After returning from Europe, he married Ardis Kettner, and their union was blessed with three children. Max had a diverse working career after his military deployment. He worked 11 years for the Minneapolis Star and Tribune, then he and Ardis owned and operated a washing and dry cleaning business in New Ulm. He then worked as a boiler operator; first for Shell’s Brewery and later at Kraft Foods until his retirement in 1987. After retirement, Max and Ardis enjoyed spending 20 years going to south Texas for the winters, and spending more time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Max had a very quiet strength. He was always there in times of tragedy or triumph, not necessarily being outspoken, but being ready to help or celebrate at a moment’s notice. Even up to the point of his failing health, he was more concerned about his family and his healthcare professionals than himself. His family joked that he often “cheated death” from the time he fell through the ice at the age of 14, to getting a terminal heart diagnosis and being told that he had only days to live — 11 years before his actual passing. Max truly loved all the time he was able to spend with his family and friends and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. We loved him so very much. Max was a lifetime member of the VFW and the American Legion, and was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans. Blessed be his memory.
To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, please visit: www.mvfh.org.