Max Gonzenbach

Max Gonzenbach, age 88 of Milbank, SD, died peacefully in his sleep in Sioux Falls, SD, on September 3, 2024. 

A prayer service will be held at Dow Rummel Village Chapel, 1321 W. Dow Rummel Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. in the Dow Rummel Gathering Room.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 15, at 2:00 p.m. at Central Church in Milbank. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 14, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home. Visitation will continue at Central Church on Sunday, one hour prior to the service. A private family graveside service will be held at the Milbank City Cemetery. 

Max Alfred Gonzenbach was born on July 15, 1936, to Alfred and Trudy (Houser) Gonzenbach. He graduated from Milbank High School in 1954 and pursued a Bachelor of Science Degree at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI. He graduated with the Class of 1959. He married the love of his life, “Schatzi” Jeanne Spilde, on August 26, 1962, in Pierre, SD. Their family grew to include three children: Lauri, David, and Trudi.

After college, Max returned to Milbank where he joined his father, Alfred “Shorty” Nef, and Rudy Nef working at Valley Queen Cheese Factory. This began his lifelong career that lasted 42 years. During this time, he was a member of many organizations including the National Association of Manufacturers, South Dakota Commerce and Industry, North Central Cheese Association, and American Dry Products Institute. He was an active member of the Masonic Lodge, South Dakota Family Business Association, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was a lifelong member of Central Church where he served on many committees and boards.

Max was known for his big hands and big heart. He genuinely loved to meet and greet people with a “big” handshake and a warm smile. He was proud of his Swiss heritage, and after retiring was able to share a place in Switzerland with his dear Jeanne, family, and friends. He was a humble, kind, and generous man who loved God, his family, and his friends. 

Left to carry on his legacy and cherish him are his wife of 62 years, Jeanne; three children: Lauri (Kevin) Gilbert; David (Stacy) Gonzenbach; and Trudi (John) Robel; grandchildren: Hunter (Breanna) Gilbert, Isabel Gilbert, Derek (Whitney) Gonzenbach, Haley Gonzenbach, Tyler (Reanna) Robel, Max Robel, and Jake Robel; great-grandchildren: Ava Gonzenback, Kye Gonzenbach, and great-grand-angel, Gia Gonzenbach; sisters: Ruth Colby, and Heide (Ron) Feekes; and an abundance of dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and a community of cherished friends.

Waiting to welcome him in heaven are his parents: Alfred and Trudy Gonzenbach, mother-in-law, Alice Doscher, father-in-law, Alfred Spilde; brother-in-law, Dick Spilde; brother-in-law, Ralph Colby; great-grand- angel, Gia Gonzenbach; and several dear friends.

Memorial gifts may be given in Max’s name to the Milbank High School Education Foundation, PO Box 366, Milbank, SD 57252