Max H. Roder III

Max H. Roder III, age 80, of Novi, Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026. He was born on August 1, 1945, in Marion, Ohio, in City Hall, which had been converted into a hospital during World War II. He was the beloved son of the late Max Roder Jr. and Anna Mae Symonds.

Max was lovingly brought to the funeral home and cared for by his granddaughter, Angelica, a final act of devotion that reflected the deep love that was shared within their family.

Max was the devoted husband of LaReta Smith (nee Duering) for 53 wonderful years. Before their marriage, both had what they fondly referred to as their "starter spouses."

Max and LaReta met through a mutual friend from the police station who arranged a blind meeting. They met again the very next day at an annual Christmas party hosted by another friend. During that time, Max asked LaReta if he could try driving her Saab, as he had never driven anything with "four-on-the-tree." He impressed her with his skill, and from that moment forward, they formed a lifelong bond built on love, respect, laughter, and partnership.

Max was a proud and devoted father to Jason Roder, Jody Monroe, and Elaine (Tom) Morgan. He was a cherished grandfather to Angelica Monroe (Bryan Holt), and later welcomed a "bonus family" after discovering that he had another daughter, Elaine, from his time stationed in Alaska while serving in the United States Army.

With the addition of Elaine, Max also gained treasured grandchildren Athena (Dan) De La Rosa, Konrad Shepherd, and Kai Shepherd, as well as great-grandchildren Alex, Erin, and the late Adrian De La Rosa. Before his passing, Max was grateful to have the opportunity to meet Elaine in person on two occasions when she traveled to Michigan, moments that brought him great joy and fulfillment.

Max is also survived by his sisters, Alice Roder and Janet Roder; his sisters-in-law, Barb Duering and Hazel (Al) DeSaulnier; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

As a teenager, Max worked at Little Caesars, where his younger sister famously called in pizza orders that she never picked up-knowing Max could bring home the leftovers for her breakfast the next morning. This small story perfectly captured his kindness and his family's playful bond.

After serving his country in the U.S. Army, including being stationed in Alaska, Max dedicated 25 years to law enforcement. He served proudly as a police officer with the Novi Police Department during the city's formative years. He played a key role in introducing new programs and technologies that modernized the department and streamlined its operations, helping bring Novi into the technical age.

Rather than relying on high-speed chases, Max believed in common sense and fairness. When Novi was still a small town, he would often simply wait at a suspect's home and talk with them when they returned. He believed in justice, always administered with compassion and understanding.

Among his many memorable acts, Max once reunited two beloved pet ducks with their family after a county-wide search when they had been stolen. He also became legendary for starting the "Bigfoot of Novi" story by leaving oversized footprints in the snow during building checks. When people began commenting on their size, Max traced his feet even larger on cardboard and attached them to his shoes to truly sell the story. His humor and creativity brought joy to everyone around him.

Max had a lifelong love for practical jokes and harmless mischief. He delighted in making people laugh and keeping life lighthearted. He carried a fun, youthful spirit throughout his life and often said, "I may have to grow old, but I don't have to grow up." His playful nature, quick wit, and joyful outlook brought smiles (and eyerolls) wherever he went.

Max was known for his large stature and even larger personality. He often joked, "A foot is not a foot until it is a foot. Everything else is just a stump," proudly referencing his famously large feet.

In addition to his law enforcement career, Max founded JMJ Software, named after himself and his children at the time-Jody, Max, and Jason. He was a skilled innovator, builder, and problem-solver, especially when it came to computers and technology.

Max was an outstanding father, an incredible provider, and a steadfast protector. He always made sure his family's needs were met-and then exceeded. He went above and beyond for others without ever seeking recognition. He quietly helped whenever he could, content to let good deeds remain unseen.

Family was always his highest priority. He made a point to attend every family gathering he could. He ensured that LaReta always had the nicer, safer car, knowing she transported their children and wanting her to be protected. His love was practical, thoughtful, and unwavering.

For enjoyment, Max loved traveling in their motorhome with LaReta and friends, building and repairing computers, watching movies, and listening to music-especially Queen, The Beatles, and the Eddie and the Cruisers soundtrack. In his younger years, he enjoyed model trains, his shooting club, Civil War reenactments, camping, Hearts and Pinochle, and photography.

Later in life, he found joy in garage sale treasure hunting with LaReta, tinkering with electronics, playfully battling squirrels at his bird feeder, playing Mexican Train dominoes, and making candles. One of his most touching final acts of love was fulfilling his granddaughter's request for 200 purple carnation-shaped candles for her upcoming wedding, ensuring they were completed before his passing.

Max was calm, intelligent, dependable, loyal, intentional, and compassionate. He was nurturing, strong-willed, humble, creative, and kind-hearted like his mother. He was also a joyful goofball who loved to laugh and make others smile. He was simple in the best sense-he did not need extravagance to be happy. He was most content surrounded by family and friends, with love in his heart and a good peanut butter sandwich in hand.

He was a proud grandfather, a loving father, and a devoted husband. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, humor, service, generosity, and unconditional love that will continue to guide and inspire all who knew him.

Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi, Michigan 48375.

Visitation will continue on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the Celebration of Max's Life begins at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

The Celebration of Max's Life was recorded, and can be watched by clicking here.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Max can be made to Detroit PBS or to Angela Hospice.

Max H. Roder III lived a life defined by love, service, laughter, and quiet strength. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.