Winfred Max Kirschke

Winfred Max Kirschke, known to all simply as Max, was born in Detroit, Michigan, on February 13, 1932, to Willy and Helene Kirschke. He passed away on January 21, 2026, in Brighton, Michigan.

Max provided for his family as an entrepreneur, building a diverse set of businesses in automotive welding, property management, and storage - all rooted in the city he loved, Detroit.

In retirement, Max found joy and community at the Milford Senior Center, where he could often be found helping with spaghetti dinners, playing chair volleyball, joining spelling competitions, or assisting at Milford's summer concerts with the ice cream cart.

A master gardener, Max devoted countless hours to cultivating the gardens around his Milford home, with a special passion for hostas. Through meticulous journals, he documented and labeled more than 400 varieties. His gardens were featured in the Milford Garden Walk and admired by many.

When not tending to his plants, Max enjoyed writing and was a published contributor to a compilation of Milford authors. He had a gift for putting thoughts and dreams to paper. Candy making, jigsaw puzzles and old-time jazz filled his winter months, along with cherished time spent in Florida.

Above all, Max treasured time with his grandchildren. Whether relaxing by the pool, cheering at sporting events or celebrating milestones, he was always present - smiling, encouraging and soaking in every moment.

Max loved the Lord and reflected that love in the way he cared for his family and others. When asked how he was doing, he often replied with a resounding "fantastic," accompanied by his signature wide-eyed smile. He surely is fantastic now.

Max is survived by his sons, Chuck (Jan), Steve (Pam) and Eric (Krittiyanee); stepchildren Bryan (Irena) Bagdady, Laura Bagdady, Bruce (Carol) Bagdady, Lisa (Lynn) Giese, Shelly (Craig) Miller and Nikki (Jeff Fedewa) Horn; 28 grandchildren and 16 greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Bertha; his brother, Bill; and his second wife, Roselynn.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 2201 S. Old U.S. Hwy 23, Brighton, MI 48114. Gathering from 10 a.m to 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions in his memory are encouraged to the Milford Senior Center, 1050 Atlantic St., Milford MI 48381.