Name: Visitation for Max H. Kirschbaum
Start: 2019-06-05T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2019-06-06T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory LTD - Mulford Chapel

Max H. Kirschbaum 1918—2019
Max H. Kirschbaum, 100, passed away Saturday,, June 1, 2019 at his home in Cherry Valley. He was born December 25, 1918 in Nauvoo, IL, the son of Max Sr. and Elida Kirschbaum. He received his formal education at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Grade School & High School in Nauvoo He moved to Rockford in 1938 where he met and married Florence Galbraith on August 23, 1941. Max joined the Unites States Navy during WWII and was assigned to the U.S.S. Giansar (AK-111) in the Pacific.
After the war, he joined the Rockford Fire Department on January 2, 1948 and served there for 21 years. He retired from the Fire Dept. as a Lieutenant on the Rescue Squad in 1969. Upon retiring he founded Car-Max Tool Sales which he operated until his retirement.
He is survived by his 3 children, Harriet Retzke, Maxine (Mike) Lenker and Frank (Judy) Kirschbaum; 6 grandchildren, Michele Thorn, Kristin (Scott) Free, Tom (Carrie) Grimes, Matt Grimes, Andrea (Roland) Mansanarez and Janelle (Ryan) Williford; 8 great grandchildren, Alysia, Bryan, Jamie, Jason, Jenna, Kyle, Madeline and Leah; 7 great-great grandchildren, Khole, Avery, Mayson, Jayce, Nathan, Oliver and Everett; best friends, Ray and Mary Babineau and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Florence and 12 brothers and sisters.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 6, 2019 at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Dr, Rockford, IL 61109. Visitation will be from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel. Burial will follow at Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Max's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, OSF Hospice or St. Rita Catholic School. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rockford Register Star from Jun. 3 to Jun. 5, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Max Kirschbaum

Sponsored by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory LTD - Mulford Chapel.

14 Entries

Jerry Lerman

May 28, 2020

I was Max's nextdoor neighbor (at 820 Glendale) from 1959-1965, and our family was blessed to have Max and his family when we arrived in a strange town after living decades in Detroit, Michigan. Max was an outstanding community builder, and his annual fishing trips to Nauvoo, culminating in a Glendale Ave block fish fry, was one of many lasting memories for me. ( In fact, I have paid it forward in a way, organizing block parties here in Foster City, California, following Max's example!). May Frank (my agemate), Harriet, and Maxine know that the Lerman family thought very highly of their dad (and mom, too)! It's wonderful to learn that he enjoyed a long, happy life!

Barb Johnson

June 6, 2019

Dear Frank, Harriet and Maxine and family,
I just heard today about Max's passing and Brent and I are very saddened. We can't say enough about what a selfless and caring man he was. Living across the street from him was a joy. He was so good to our kids and us, plowing our driveway at 5 am, raspberry pies, sharing his circus peanut candy with the kids. Wonderful memories of a one-of-a-kind man.

Ruthann Gaston

June 5, 2019

My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. A good man is at rest.

PAUL PIRRELLO

June 5, 2019

I had many fun and educational hours working with Max on the Fire Department. Many stories I would love to be able to share. My thoughts are with all his family in this time of sorrow

In Our Thoughts Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Rich Rugg

June 4, 2019

I always enjoyed my dealings with Max, they were pleasant and entertaining. My deepest sympathy to you Harriet, Frank & Maxine.

c r

June 4, 2019

Thank You from a Grateful City. RIP.

Richard Glisson

June 3, 2019

My deepest sympathy Frank and family.

Judy Webster

June 3, 2019

We lived across the street for a number of years and Max played Santa for the kids. He made a home visit and read Twas the Night Before Christmas Such a kind man. Our sympathies to his family.Steve and Judy Webster

June 3, 2019

Harriet, Maxine, and Frank...
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family. This new has really hurt my heart. My memories were spending time at the house on Glendale Ave while Max, Florence, Dad and Mom played cards on the weekends. If not there it was at our house on Anderson St. When we had to move Max called in some favors and surprised my Dad by moving us at night while my Dad was at work. Lots of great memories. He was a great man and will truly be missed. Max and Florence were more than my parents best friends....they were family. I'm Dave and Jeanette Taylor's youngest. May he RIP and be hand in hand with Florence for eternity.
My Deepest Sympathy
Connie (Taylor) Ruggero

Susan Slothower

June 3, 2019

Dear Frank,
Very sorry for your loss. He really lived a long life.

June 3, 2019

I will miss this remarkable and generous man. There was not anyone that met him that did not love him at once. I have a lot of great memories of my uncle but am sure that aunt Florence is happy to see him again. So sorry for all of his family. He will be greatly missed. RIP Uncle Max!

Lisa Lange

June 3, 2019

I was saddened to hear of Max's passing. So incredible to be a century old before passing. He was a wonderful man and neighbor to my family, especially his kindness to my father before his passing. I have many memories that I will always treasure of Max. Joining the family for dinner, letting dad wash the car in the "heated" garage in the winter, always giving a hug or a smile when needed....I could go on and on. Please accept my warmest sympathy to the family and loved ones.

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