Max Harris

Max Harris, age 90, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026 at his home in Minnetonka, MN. Max was born in Duluth, MN, on October 30, 1935, to John and Libby (Popkin) Harris, Max's early life was shaped by his years as a "Navy brat" during WWII. After moving between four different port cities, his family returned to Duluth following the war. Max later graduated from Senn High School in Chicago and earned his degree in accounting from Roosevelt University. He proudly served his country for six years in both the Illinois National Guard and the U.S. Army.

In 1964, Max met his wife, Carole, in Chicago. After marrying in Grand Rapids, MI, they began their life together in Chicago before a series of moves across the Midwest led them through Skokie, Cincinnati, and Columbus. In 1977, they settled in Minnetonka, where they would remain for nearly five decades.

A highly respected accountant and auditor, Max's career was marked by leadership and dedication. He served as a traveling accountant for Montgomery Ward, an auditor for Federated Department Stores, and a controller for Limited Stores. His professional journey culminated in his role as Vice President for the retailer County Seat, the position that brought his family to Minnesota.

Max was a deeply engaged member of his community. While his children were young, he served as the treasurer for Hopkins School District 270 and spent many seasons volunteering as a youth softball and baseball coach. Max cherished his weekly lunch outings with friends and his weekly poker games. He also attended the Guthrie Theater for almost 50 years.

Together, Max and Carole traveled the world. Their adventures took them through Yugoslavia, France, Russia, Israel, Hong Kong, and Hawaii, along with annual visits to their favorite timeshare in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Max especially loved family cruises, creating lifelong memories with Carole, his children, and his grandchildren in Alaska and the Southern Caribbean.

Max was preceded in death by his parents, Libby (Popkin) and John Harris, and his sister, Rivian Simon. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carole Harris; his children, Jennifer (Chad) Pearson, Jonathan (Noelle) Harris, and Michael (Amy) Harris; and his five cherished grandchildren, Anne and Libby Harris, Evan and Jack Pearson, and Avi Harris.

Service Information:

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Adath Jeshurun Congregation (10500 Hillside Ln W, Minnetonka, MN). The funeral will also be livestreamed. (https://adath.livecontrol.tv/ea557aca). Burial will immediately follow at Adath Yeshurun Cemetery (5605 France Avenue South, Edina, MN).

Shiva:

Shiva will be held at 7pm on Tuesday, January 6th, and Wednesday, January 7th, at The Orchards of Minnetonka (10955 Wayzata Blvd, Minnetonka, MN).

Memorials:

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Max's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, Adath Jeshurun Synagogue, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Adath Jeshurun Chevra Kavod Hamet and Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels.