Max W. Mathews

Max Weldon Mathews, 83 of Harbor Springs, passed away on Friday, November 7, 2025, at home.

Max worked at Fochtman’s in Petoskey and Gaylord while he and Janette began raising their family. After a short stint driving a 7-UP truck—about a week—he decided to pursue his true calling as a builder. He founded his own company, Max Mathews Builders, and went on to construct two Seventh-day Adventist churches in Florida: one in West Palm Beach and another in Fort Lauderdale.
Max proudly ran his business for more than 40 years before joyfully passing it down to his sons, Mark and Ray Mathews.
He and Janette shared many adventures together on their blue Honda trike, affectionately named Blue Thunder. During the Christmas season, they delighted their community by dressing up as Mr. and Mrs. Claus, riding through town and visiting care facilities to spread holiday cheer. Max also loved celebrating the Fourth of July, proudly towing his “Soldier Boy” trailer—adorned with two flags—behind his trike in the local parade.
An outdoorsman and craftsman at heart, Max enjoyed boating, fishing, snowmobiling, and taking on building projects of all kinds. During the holidays, he helped package and deliver meals to those in need and was always ready to lend a hand to his children, grandchildren, and friends with home repairs.
Max also found joy in creating handmade potato crates filled with produce and treats, which he donated for auction to support Stutsmanville Chapel, the Alanson Church of the Nazarene, and the Petoskey Senior Citizen Center. His final project—a birdhouse built while he was ill—was lovingly donated to the Alanson Church of the Nazarene, with all proceeds benefiting the facility.
In addition to his craftsmanship, Max was known for his love of cooking. He especially enjoyed preparing meals for his church family, relatives, and friends. Whether it was his famous soup, signature meatloaf sandwiches, or his unbeatable burgers on the grill, Max’s cooking was always made—and shared—with love.

He is survived by his wife, Janette; children, Lisa Caudle and her children, Jordan Caudle, Paige Caudle, Haley Caudle, and Dylan (Ciara) Caudle, Kim (Luther) Vantilburg, and their children Luther Vantilburg and Joshua (Katie) Vantilburg, Ray (Kristi) Mathews, and their children RJ (Nikki) Mathews and Thomas (Alison) Mathews, Mark Mathews, and children Alison (Ryan) Aquino, John (Iryna) Mathews, and Max Mathews, and Mary (Jim) Laslo and her children, Kendra (Travis) Binger, Desirae Laslo, Destinie Laslo, and Tiffani Laslo, along with 26 great-grandchildren. Max was famous for his special nicknames.
They loved their beloved fur babies along the way.
A memorial service will take place on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the Stutsmanville Chapel in Harbor Springs. The family will visit with friends beginning at 12:00 PM. The memorial service will start 1 P.M. A luncheon will follow after around 2 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to McLaren Hospice.