Max Checketts, aged 68, passed away on April 6th, 2024, from a presumed heart attack. Born on March 5th, 1956, in Providence, Utah, he spent his formative years in the western United States before graduating from Paonia High School in Colorado.

A beacon of warmth and compassion, he graced the world with his infectious laughter and boundless kindness. In his youth, he wielded his towering stature on the basketball court, channeling his passion for the sport.

Max and Donna embarked on a new chapter in 1982, relocating to Rexburg to pioneer the dairy program at Ricks College. Evolving into an esteemed administrator, he played a pivotal role in the transition to BYU-Idaho, and later served as the Academic Vice President. For 25 years, Rexburg was their home until Max assumed the same role at BYU-Hawaii for 7 fruitful years. Yet, amidst his varied roles, he remained steadfast in his identity as a farmer.

A devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Max's life was defined by service. From his mission in Edinburgh, Scotland, to leadership roles in the Church, including mission president in Sydney, Australia, and Temple president of the Rexburg, Idaho Temple. His dedication was unwavering. His most cherished calling, however, was that of a Sunday School teacher, where he shared his deep understanding of Church History and unwavering testimony.

Max's spirit of adventure led him to explore numerous states, countries, and continents, leaving an indelible mark on people worldwide. Yet, his most profound impact was felt within the walls of his own home. United in marriage to Donna in the Salt Lake City Temple on May 4th, 1978, they would have celebrated their 46th anniversary next month. Together, they nurtured six children in Salem, Idaho, and reveled in the joys of grand parenthood, currently counting 26 grandchildren with two more on the way.

He is survived by his wife Donna, children Shayla (Spencer) Smith, Kelly (Charity) Checketts, Clint (Audrey) Checketts, Wyatt (Brittney) Checketts, Katie (Kristopher) Wilson, Ian (Andrea) Checketts, grandchildren Madilynn, Devanee, Daniel, Haela, Ezra, Enoch, Chloe, Brecken, Ephraim, Clark, Oliver, Daxton, Salem, Kendrick, Jaina, Kaden, Taysom, Lincoln, Adilae, Kolter, Kyler, Monrovia, Claire, Zane, Kaisley, Kodiak and twins coming soon!

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 13 the Taylor Chapel on BYUI campus. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Flamm Funeral Home and again from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m at the Taylor Chapel prior to services. Condolences may be sent online to www.flammfh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rexburg Standard Journal from Apr. 12 to Apr. 10, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Max Checketts

Sponsored by Flamm Funeral Home - Rexburg.

6 Entries

Nan Hawks

April 12, 2024

Dear Checketts family, my heart has ached for all of you this past few days. I know you are such a wonderful family and I can´t get over sharing the ordeal we all went through together on Sat, sending my Love and prayers to you Donna and your family. May The Lord bless you and give you peace and comfort, A friend always

Colleen Tano

April 12, 2024

Max was a giant of a man with a giant heart. He was a great administrator at BYU-Hawaii - honest, fair and compassionate. He proved you could be a good manager, administrator and disciple of Christ. Pres. Checketts was loved by all and will be held in honorable remembrance.

Tina (Linman) Gentzler

April 12, 2024

Max was a classmate of mine for our Paonia High School years. Friendly, funny and very witty.
So glad his life was so Beautiful...he deserved it.
My heartfelt Sympathy for Donna and Family. May memories of Max give you All Peace.
Tina (Linman) Gentzler

Hans and Theone Taala

April 10, 2024

Our heartfelt condolences to Donna and the entire Checketts Ohana. We were so blessed to have known Max. He was, and will always be, our favorite Sunday School teacher. He was so knowledgeable in the Gospel who lovingly and enthusiastically shared what he learned and knew to be true. He had a unique way in his presentations and because of him, we grew to love our Sunday School lessons. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Me me aloha pumehana

Anita & John Olszowka

April 9, 2024

Sending our condolences to the Checkett Ohana. We have fond memories of the times we shared with you here in Hawaii. We appreciated your service and leadership skills which were so freely given.

Marilee Ching

April 9, 2024

Max was a wonderful leader here at BYU Hawaii. I appreciated his can-do attitude - he helped inspire change for the better - keeping in mind fairness and compassion. I couldn't have asked for a better boss during those years of his service. My love to Donna and Katie who worked with me in Academic Advising - and to all the family. Love and prayers, Marilee

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