Max J. Unseld Jr.

PIERCE – Mass of Christian burial for Max Joseph Unseld Jr., 87, of Pierce, will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pierce. Father Pat McLaughlin and Father Dave Bourek will be officiating the service. Interment will be held at the parish cemetery, rural Pierce. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m., Tuesday also at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pierce with a vigil service beginning at 7:00 p.m. Military rites will be conducted by the Tomek-Otto Post #72 American Legion of Pierce, American Legion Riders, and the United States Army Honor Guard. Max passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the Faith Regional Hospital in Norfolk. Stonacek Memorial Chapel in Pierce is in charge of the arrangements. Max was born in Tilden, Nebraska on October 11, 1937 to Max Sr. and Maria Unseld. The family moved to the farm west of Pierce in 1941. Max attended country school District #55 and then St. Joseph’s Catholic School before graduating from Pierce High School in 1955. While in high school, Max was involved in the Vocational Ag Program and enjoyed engineering projects. He even built his own rye tractor so they could stop using horses and did custom work with it for $1.00/acre. After graduating, Max served in the United States Army as a tracked vehicle mechanic from November 20, 1956 until August 19, 1958; spending some of the time stationed in Germany. While there, he was able to visit his relatives and even attend his grandmother’s funeral. He was discharged with the rank of Specialist. Upon his return, Max said he and his dad “bached it” and farmed until he met Arlene Ridder in January 1963. They were married on December 28, 1963, at the St. Leonard’s Catholic Church in Madison. After marriage, they farmed west of Pierce where they raised 10 children. Max enjoyed learning and building new things. In 2010, Max and Arlene moved to Pierce where they enjoyed retirement, although Max still enjoyed driving out to the farm to check on the boys and his farm. Max enjoyed farming, tinkering in the shop, attending airshows, time on the air boat, and spending time with family. He loved driving his VW Passat and visiting friends and neighbors. Max enjoyed learning how things worked, taking them apart, and fixing them. He was boldly patriotic while being proud of his German heritage, passing both down to all his children. He enjoyed old country music and polka. He loved German Shepherds and all animals, even raising an orphaned squirrel. Max lived by faith and always spoke his mind; a friendly debate was his specialty. He was a pillar of the Pierce community, and his legacy will live on for generations to come. Survivors include wife Arlene Unseld, children Sharon (Bret) Krueger of Sheridan, WY, Bonnie (Darren) Apfel of Norfolk, Irene (John) Barnes of Norfolk, Dan (Amy) Unseld of Pierce, Judy Zimmerer of Pierce, Tammy (Pete) Balmer of Mora, MN, Karen (Chad) Altwine of Tabor, SD, Byron (Lindsey) Unseld of Pierce, Christopher (Kelli) Unseld of Pierce, and Jennifer (Ryan) Kenyon of Harrisburg, SD; 34 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law Betty Barrett of Scio, Oregon and Millie Ridder of Madison, Nebraska, and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents Max Sr. and Maria Unseld, sisters Hilda and husband Dale Milke, Ann and husband Don Campbell, and his brother Frank. In-laws Ted and Vicki Ridder, Lowell Barrett, Fred Ridder, Grace and Norb Zimmerer, and Clara Ridder. Casket bearers will be Codi Krueger, Kyle Apfel, Cole Barnes, Austin Unseld, Noah Zimmerer, Isaac Balmer, Tristan Unseld, and Cayden Unseld. Honorary casket bearers will be Tina Krueger, Kelsi Martinez, Josh Apfel, Scott Apfel, Darien Garduno, Justine Apfel, Brooke Apfel, Tori Murphy, Tess Barnes, Bailey Barnes, Gabe Barnes, Shannah Corliss, Tyler Unseld, Devon Unseld, Brielle Unseld, Sidney Waldner, Madox Balmer, Graham Balmer, Samantha Pedersen, Allison Altwine, Cassie Altwine, Kiera Altwine, Emelyn Unseld, Grady Unseld, Cora Unseld, and Klaire Unseld. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

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Max J. Unseld Jr.

October 11, 1937 - April 15, 2025