Maximiliano Vela

Maximiliano Vela was blessed with an abundance of leadership qualities. It would be accurate to say that this man was an outstanding luminary and that his natural abilities served him well. He knew with certainty how he wanted to set priorities in all aspects of his life. He struck those who knew him as the kind of person who awoke in the morning with a clear sense of exactly what he expected from his day and how to set about accomplishing those goals. Max was a man who definitely liked order and was most comfortable with an organized and structured lifestyle. When this climate was absent, Max would set about immediately to create it.

Max loved to get to know his neighbors. All the neighborhood children knew him and loved him. He had a smile for everyone. He told amazingly beautiful and elaborate stories to entrain his family. He loved to sing traditional Mexican lullabies to his children and grandchildren. He worked harder than any human being we've ever seen. He never complained. He loved life. He loved his garden, being outside, enjoying the sunshine and horses. He was a devoted father in every sense of the word. He once told his daughter Monica that once you made a decision you were proud of, you shouldn't let anyone change your mind or make you feel poorly." He also said that dancing was the most fun you could have without getting into trouble.

His parents were Salvador and Aurelia Vela. Max was raised in Durango, Mexico. Max was brought up to be reasonable in his actions and was taught to use his intellect wisely. He was an honest and straightforward child, traits that reinforced his self-confidence. Even at a young age, Max was credited with having a positive influence on those around him.

The positive atmosphere that Max generated spread to his family. Max was raised with one older brother, four younger brothers and three younger sisters. Max served as a catalyst within the family. He often found himself in the role of providing fair solutions to those sibling disputes. In every family activity, Max was able to demonstrate his uncommon logic and skill at building compromise.

Max's enthusiasm for learning and the personal energy that enthusiasm generated led to his exhibiting leadership qualities early on in his childhood. He liked to see things executed properly and showed a skill for taking control of situations that were drifting out of control. At the same time, he was willing to experiment with different approaches as he worked a plan towards a solution. As a young boy, he took part in basketball. In his spare time he liked he enjoyed gardening.

Family and children were important to Max, even if he didn't always show it. Max married Margarita and they were blessed with five children, two sons, Sergio and Oscar and three daughters Dora, Adriana and Monica. They were also blessed with five grandchildren, Monica, Michael, Nicholas, James and Sofia. Max was able to keep order in the family by using the same efficient and straightforward methods with the family as he did at work. Max rarely made a scene when it came to discipline. Instead, he was subtle and patient in his dealings when teaching the children right from wrong.

At work Max was viewed as a natural leader. He could marshal all of the available resources, including personnel and materials, in order to meet virtually any objective. He was great at developing strategies and made maximum progress with little wasted effort. Max was also adept at uncovering new and more efficient ways of getting things done. He was able to establish and meet objectives and schedules through long range planning and was always able to keep the big picture clearly in sight. Although Max might have been described by some as an overachiever, he was without question a dedicated and diligent employee. His primary occupation was a stocker and a machinist. He was employed for Marshall Field and International Harvesters for over 20 years he held both jobs at the same time. He was the first Latino to work at International Harvester.

Not only did Max find pleasure in pursuing his various hobbies, he also enjoyed the discovery and research involved in learning about them. His skill at problem solving had a positive influence on these activities as well. His favorite pursuits were gardening and music.

No matter what the activity was, Max had the ability to motivate others. This talent influenced his participation in sports, too. He sought out the possibilities in a competitive situation, and he stayed cool and calm under pressure. He relished the stimulation of the action and energy associated with sports. In high school, Max played basketball. He was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were basketball.

Max lived his life guided by a well-defined set of beliefs. His faith and religion were important aspects of those beliefs. He was a member St. Procopius Church for many years.

When Max's retirement finally came in 1989, he was well prepared. He had worked out all of the details well in advance and knew exactly what he was going to do. His new life involved living in Chicago. In retirement, he found new pleasure in gardening. Always a well-informed person, Max enjoyed adding to his wealth of knowledge. Retirement afforded him the time to enjoy that experience and provided one more opportunity to look ahead at what life might offer him.


Maximiliano Vela knew what he wanted from life and never hesitated in going after it. He could be characterized as driven individual, someone who understood the importance of achievement. Max was decisive and outspoken at times but was also positive and upbeat about most things. He was a leader, both intentionally and sometimes by default. If he saw that something needed to be done, he was always ready to step up and actualize, organize and implement a plan.

Maximiliano Vela went to be with Lord surrounded by his loving family on Monday, December 28, 2009 at his residence in Chicago, Illinois.
Maximiliano is survived by his dearest wife Margarita Vela, his cherished children Dora Vela, Sergio Vela, Oscar Vela, Adriana (Joe) Del Toral, Monica Vela and his loving grandchildren, Monica, Michael, Nicholas, James and Sofia.

Funeral Visitation, Thursday, December 31st, 2009 at Zefran Funeral Home, 1941 West Cermak Rd., Chicago, Illinois from 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Funeral Service, Friday, January 1st, 2010, Mass of Resurrection 10:00 a.m. at St. Procopius Church, 1641 S. Allport, Chicago, Illinois. Interment Private.

Arrangements under the direction of Zefran Funeral Home, Chicago, Illinois. Concepción Rodriguez, Funeral Director.