Max Raymond Jahnke

There was a grand reunion in Heaven on Friday, November 21, 2025 as Max Jahnke returned home to Jesus “his maker” and to be with his bride, Marie whom he has missed for many years.

A long-time resident of Smyrna, GA, Max was known for his passion for life.

He was born on Saturday, March 4, 1939 in Escanaba, MI but grew up in Rhinelander, WI. Max was a cherished son of the late Raymond and Margaret Jahnke. He was one of seven children, Maggie, Jim and (Mary), Patti O’Theiler, Chuck, Skip, Kathy - each of which he assigned a special nickname throughout life. He was blessed with many special nieces and nephews, cousins and grand-nieces and a grand-nephew. Max and Marie also adopted two very special granddaughters, Katie Winston and Morgan Killeen.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marie, whom he adored since he met her in early childhood and the feeling was mutual. They dated all through high school and married shortly after. They had three children in 26 months, Mark Jahnke, Julie Savignano and Terri Jo (Tina) Wagner. In 1980 they welcomed their grandson, Anthony (Tony) Lyle and claimed him as their own, as well as a granddaughter-in-law, Jasmine, in 2017. In 2024 Max gained a son-in-law, Mark Wagner, whom he loved and of course in true fashion assigned him many nicknames. He also leaves behind his all-time favorite grand pup Sparky who brought him much comfort, joy and laughter.

Max was avid sports enthusiast, playing as many sports as he could, football, basketball, baseball, tennis and golf. In 2000 he was inducted into the famous “Hodag” Sports Hall of Fame at Rhinelander High School. He was a devoted Green Bay Packers fan, Wisconsin Bucky Badger fan and had the ability to quote sports statistics for any player on any team at any period of time, even if he was making it up, you would believe him due to his ability to be right most of the time.

His work ethic was unmatched as he worked until about two weeks before he passed. He worked in the paper industry as a Sales Professional and proclaimed that the smell of a paper mill actually smelled like money. He worked for several companies throughout his career and both his customers and coworkers became friends once they met. He has been referred to as a legend in his industry. His family remembers a time at one of his retirement parties when a paper press worker from Avery Label stood up and spoke about Max, describing him to a tee. His last statement was, “he is definitely one of JC’s (Jesus Christ) boys”. And he was! He built a Christ-centered life on solid stone.

Max woke up every morning with a song in his heart. His loving heart, generous spirit, ability to make everyone he met feel special and loved made him who he was, Big Max. Also known as Dad, Papa and Super Papa!

The family knew he was really ill when he stopped telling stories. He was an extraordinarily talented storyteller. Sometimes people wondered how he didn’t pass out from talking so much! But wow will those stories be missed now.

The family is at peace knowing he is out of pain and in Heaven. He gathered his family together on Thursday to tell them how much he loved them but that he was ready to go home to see Jesus, his loving wife, his parents and the list went on. At least he didn’t start naming Green Bay Packers players as they would have been there all day long.

His family was all with him when he took his last breath. They would like to thank their hospice nurse, Josey, for guiding them through his last day.

He was the brightest light in every room he entered, always smiling, always laughing and always showing kindness and love to others! The family is heartbroken as they do not know what life could possibly be like without him. They vow to do their best to carry out his legacy of pure, non-judgmental love, compassion for others and a willingness to make those they encounter each day feel special and worthy of God’s love.

Max is already missed but realized how blessed this world was to have had him in it for 86 years and 8 months! His children and grandchild acknowledge they hit the jackpot the day they entered into his life!! He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He would want everyone to “live life … to the MAX”.

A celebration of his life will be planned locally after the first of the year and will be shared once the plans are complete. He will then be laid to rest beside his wife at the Forest Home Cemetery in Rhinelander, WI.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the Emory Winship Breast Cancer Patient Assistance Fund, 1762 Clifton Road, Suite 2400, Atlanta, GA 30322.