Max Christensen

Max was born August 27, 1951, in Marquette, a son of Julius and Blanche (Black) Christensen, and was raised on South Lake Street. He graduated from Bishop Baraga High School in 1969 and studied for a time at Northern Michigan University. In 1983, Max graduated from the Harry Wendelstedt School for Professional Umpires. A lifelong Marquette resident, he did brief stints in Texas and Florida, also traveling through Canada, with Max always returning to Marquette, his “home base”. Locally, he was employed with Checker Bus Tours and Adventures for Jessie and Laven Schramm, whom he considered the best bosses in the world. He retired in 2013. Also locally, Max could well be considered one of Marquette’s “characters”. Whether sitting on his front porch on South Lake Street or meeting him downtown, Max was always filled with delightful “Maxisms” and interested in the latest news and views. He loved sports, whether it be fishing which included an annual trip to the “sticks” of Canada under the guise of the “Bigfoot Expedition” or in the bowling alley where his nickname was “Shazam”, Max was competitive. However, he was mostly known for his intense love of golf and appeared on the greens dressed for success in his vintage style knickers, argyle sweater, and beret. He looked like a page out of the past and was always interesting. Max enjoyed life, lived it to the fullest, and had a lot of friends. He possessed a heart of gold, willing to help where needed, and supported and participated with Special Olympics, Boy Scouts, Bay Cliff Health Camp, South Marquette Athletic Club, and the American Heart Association. One of his greatest joys was playing Santa Claus, personally for family and friends, and for whatever organizations needed a Santa. With Max, the spirit of joy and fun remained all year.

Max is survived by his sister, Patty (Dave) Coffman; brother, Dennis (Laura) Christensen; many nieces and nephews; and special friends, Neil Jandron, Mark VanLinden, and Bill Langlois.

Max was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Cathy Dallas and Julie Powell; and special friend, Don Bell.

Honoring his request, a Celebration of Life will be held in the spring.

Max, you were one of a kind and will be missed. So, until we meet again, “Swing, smile, and don’t keep score. Have a tee-rific time on the Heavenly greens.”

Memorials may be directed to a charity of donor’s choice.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.