SOWERS, Max W. 1928-2011
SOWERS, ROMEY, KUBIAK, FREISE
Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 10/27/2011 at 22:55:11
[Waterloo Courier, Tuesday, August 9, 2011]
CEDAR FALLS - Max William Sowers, 82, of Cedar Falls, is at peace after a long journey with Alzheimer's. He passed away on Aug. 7, 2011, at Thalman Square surrounded by the love of his family.
Max was born Aug. 28, 1928, to Helen (Kelly) and J.W. "Bill" Sowers in Ames. He was a 1947 graduate of Ames High School, where he enjoyed great football and basketball success, earning recognition as an All-State athlete in both sports his junior and senior years, as well as winning the 1945 State Basketball Championship. He was inducted into the Ames High School Athletic Hall of Fame and the Iowa State High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame for his football and basketball achievements. He entered the University of Iowa as a Nile Kinnick Scholar and member of the Hawkeye football team, graduating in 1951. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force upon graduation from the ROTC program at Iowa and served at Chanute Air Force Base, Rantoul, Ill., during the Korean conflict from 1951-1953.
He married Marilyn Romey on Feb. 2, 1952, in Mason City. They had two daughters, Jean and Edie. Following his Air Force service, they made their home in Mason City and he began his career in business by joining Romey Realty Co., and later Mutual Federal Savings and Loan. In 1972 they moved to Cedar Falls where he worked for First Federal Savings and Loan, later known as Family Federal Savings and Loan, serving as president for 13 years. Throughout his life, he was an active civic leader, serving in many leadership and board positions. He served as president of Phi Kappa Psi and was a member of the Student Board of Publications while at the University of Iowa and was past president of Mason City Lions Club, Mason City Country Club, Cedar Falls Chamber of Commerce and Beaver Hills Country Club in Cedar Falls.
Max was an avid golfer and shared that enthusiasm with friends and family, teaching the game and making clubs for his grandchildren. Every day on the golf course was a great day. Golf highlights for Max included making seven holes-in-one, playing championship courses across the country, such as Augusta National and a trip to Scotland playing famous historic courses.
Upon retirement in 1987, the couple lived in Clear Lake and Dauphin Island, Ala., until their move to Windridge in the Western Home Communities in March 2008. Since September 2010, Max resided in Thalman Square where he received wonderful care by supportive and compassionate caregivers.
Max is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughters Jean (Vaughn) Kubiak of Richland, Mich., and Edie (Kent) Freise of West Des Moines; six grandchildren, including Ryan Kubiak of San Francisco, Allison Kubiak of Prairie Village, Kan., Rob Kubiak of Richland, Keith (Christa) Butler of Ankeny, Pete Butler and Joe (Leah) Butler, and great-grandson, Grady Butler, all of Indianola. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A private family service will be held Aug. 20 with the Rev. Shelly Wood officiating. Friends and family are invited to join in celebrating and honoring Max's life from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, at Windridge, 5311 Hyacinth Drive, Cedar Falls. Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Memorials may be directed to the Western Home Foundation, Cedar Valley Hospice or Cedar Heights Community Presbyterian Church.
Black Hawk Obituaries maintained by Karen De Groote.
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