Max Foorman Gruenberg Jr.

1943 - 2016

Born in San Francisco, California, the excitement to come to Alaska started at age 10. At Boy Scout camp, as the new flag with Alaska's star rose up the pole, Max imagined taking the best laws from across the country to make Alaska the best state in the union. He first came to Alaska while in law school to write the Alaskan Law Review. It was love at first visit. Max served for many years on a national committee to select the best new laws that are distributed to every state legislator.

In 1991, Max met the love of his life, Kayla Epstein, while she was giving the invocation on behalf of the Juneau Jewish Community in the House Chambers while he was House Majority Leader. They were married on June 5, 1994.

Max had two puppets, Grover and Booger-Baby (who lived in the land behind the dresser) he used to entertain his children and grandchildren and occasionally brought them into their classrooms. The puppets argued so much that the children would find themselves acting as mediators.

Max knew the custodians and mentored waiters serving him lunch. He was consistently late because he was focused on the moment. He told corny jokes, but also off-the-cuff zingers, which would break up the entire House of Representatives. His honesty, gentleness, intelligence, love for people and what he did, were legendary. He had a big heart, but it gave out on Valentine's Day.

He is survived by Kayla Epstein (wife), Bruce (son), Sionnon (daughter-in-law), Beccan and Delilah (grandchildren), Daniel (son), Raoul Gruenberg, Marcella Wilbur, Claudio Schnier, Rebecca Schnier (siblings), Terry Lilienthal (aunt), Samantha, Brynn, Corinne, Margot (nieces), Hope (great niece), These are facts Max wanted people to know about himself.

• Family Lawyer
• Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
• Alaska House of Representatives, eleven terms

• 1965-67 U.S. Navy, Lt. (j.g.)
• Gunnery Officer on Tank Landing Ship (LST) in Vietnam
• Meritorious Unit Commendation
• Vietnam Service Medal (3 battle stars)

• Stanford University, 1965, B. A. Political Science (Certificate in Public Administration)
• UCLA Law School 1970, J. D., Editor-in Chief, UCLA-Alaska Law Review
• Eagle Scout

In lieu of flowers send donations to charities for victims of domestic violence, animal abuse, children in need, or Alaska Legal Services.

Services at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 740 W. 10th Street at Glacier Avenue, this Sunday, February 21, at 3:00 pm. For more information call Chris at 907) 227-9036.