Max E. Balkema

Max E. Balkema, 79, of Berne, Indiana passed away early Thursday morning, October 20, 2022, at Swiss Village.

He was born February 1, 1943 in Lafayette, Indiana to William and Mary (Weiderhaft) Balkema.  Max was united in marriage to Maxine Steury on August 2, 1969 in Berne, Indiana.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Korea.

Max graduated from Tri-State University (now Trine University) with a B.A. in Business.

Max was regional director for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship for several years before joining the family lawn and garden implement business in Romney, Indiana.  Later, he was employed at Fairfield Manufacturing in Lafayette, Indiana where he was a crib maintenance supervisor.

From the moment Max accepted Christ in college he thoroughly enjoyed meeting people in all walks of life and sharing the love of Jesus with them.  Max was well known as the amazing church greeter who created positive first impressions and was very skilled at getting visitors plugged into the church body. He was dedicated to his wife of 53 years, Maxine, his children, grandchildren & extended family.  He and Maxine prayed daily for the children and grandchildren ensuring answers to those prayers will be felt for future generations to come.  Max enjoyed attending Purdue basketball & football games while following team member careers closely.  While Max will be missed by many, the results of his investment in people will bear fruit for an even larger number of souls going forward.

Survivors include his wife, Maxine Balkema of Berne, Indiana; daughter, Julie (Marcus) Lewis of Germantown, Tennessee; son, Chris (Jill) Balkema of Channahon, Illinois; five grandchildren, Luke Balkema, Isaiah Lewis, Max Balkema, Corie Lewis, and Kristin Lewis; two brothers, Duane Balkema of Cocoa Beach, Florida and Alan (Monica Dignam) Balkema of Bloomington, Indiana; and two sisters, Margene (Thomas) Brown of Lafayette, Indiana and sister, Jane (Dave) Clute of Cicero, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister-in-law, Marge Balkema.

Family and friends will be received starting at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at the First Missionary Church in Berne. A funeral service will follow at 12:30 p.m.  All are invited to stay for a meal and fellowship at the conclusion of the service.  Military committal services will be conducted by the joint American Legion Post #468, Berne, IN and VFW Post #6751, Geneva color guard.  Burial will be held at Mazelin Cemetery in Berne, Indiana.

Memorials may be given to First Missionary Church in Berne, Indiana or Evangelical Covenant Church in Lafayette, Indiana.