Max A. Irish
My Heart Felt sympathy goes out to you with Max's passing. Our relationship was always work related at Collins, I always liked Max and respected him for the man he was. It is sad that upon loosing a friend we alsays wish we had had a closer relationship. Max will always be remembered. My prayers are with you. Jim
Jim Cromer
Vinton
IA
Ruth, Lisa, Jeannine and Family, Over the last year Max became not only a patient of mine but a dear friend. I always enjoyed our talks and Lisa I truly believe what you wrote. Max would never have wanted to go to a care facility and I believe as you do he was tired and ready to go see his Maker. Ruth, you and Max will always hold a special place in my heart. Know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Dawn
Dawn Cayton
Marion
IA
As many of you know, our father fought many health issues for a number of years, nearly 20 some years. The doctors and nurses at St. Lukes hospital all knew Mr. Max Irish and they couldn't believe how many times he pulled through the incredible odds that were against him each time. We Mom, Jeannine, Joe, Randy, Bryce Robyne, my aunts, uncles and cousins, and I can all tell you why, and that is because he loved his family so much. He had a huge love for all of us and he knew how much we all needed him in our lives. He had no quality of life and spent most of his days in incredible pain that most people couldn't even tolerate. But his battle became too much to bear this week and we watched our big, strong daddio begin to make decisions on his own. I do believe that he was making his own decision to stop his heart from beating. He knew that the doctors and social workers were trying to convince us to put him in a nursing home but he also knew that Mom would never let that happen. He also knew that it was becoming difficult for us to care for him at home. We had an appointment on Thursday afternoon at 1:00 to discuss options for taking him home in the next couple of days, he passed away just before this meeting occurred. He decided that it was time for him to go to Heaven. I really believe he decided. We are all going to miss him so much! Dad was one of the sweetest, most loving people I have ever known. Everyone who came to meet him in his life, just loved him. He care so much about everyone. People would say, "Your Dad is such a nice guy! Good looking and always smells good too" He did always look good and smell good! I was as extremely close to my Dad. I was always his shadow growing up and I adored and admired him to much. I suppose most little girls feel this way about their daddies. I saw my Dad and called him every day and I sit here now realizing that I will never be able to feel his sweet kisses, his loving hugs, smell him and snuggle up to his yummy neck, feel those chubby cheeks against my chubby cheeks chubby because of huge doses of prednisone and I will never be able to look into those loving eyes again to tell him how much I love him. As much time as I spent with my Dad, I still feel like it wasn't enough. So I tell you today, call your Dad or your Mom or who ever that loved one in your life who is still with you and that you haven't talked to or seen lately. Take some time to go see, them, hug them, kiss them, look into their eyes and tell them how much you love them because you never know what is going to happen. Nothing else I MEAN NOTHING is more important than doing that TODAY! Thanks for all of your support over the last few years when Dad was sick. The Irish family has been blessed with incredible friends! I love you all!! Kisses and Hugs to each of you!!
Lisa Brekke Max's Daughter
Hiawatha
IA
Max was a true and loyal friend of mine. I always tried to visit him when I was in Cedar Rapids. We spent time on coffee breaks at Collins and even played a little BB together at the Y. We shared many of the good times as well as some trying times. He hired me to do some remodeling tasks and was always fun and fair to work for.I will miss him and have called many times from Arkansas to monitor his health and wll being. My sincerest sympathy to you Ruth and the rest of his family. Harlan Baskerville
Harlan Baskerville
Bella Vista
AR
Please extend our utmost sympathy to the Max Irish family. Our prayers will be with you.
Curtis Kuehl family
Stafford
TX
Dear Joel, I am sorry to read about your recent loss. I happened to be in Cedar Rapids when I read the news. You and I worked together at Hormel in Fort Dodge back in the early '60s and Waterloo in the late '60s. USDA - Gene O'Rourke. I would like to hear from you when you have time. Here are numbers that you can reach me...515/835-1106 or 515/832-5764. Sincerely, Gene
Eugene O'Rourke
Webster City
IA
Ruth, Lisa, Jeannine and family, Our hearts are with and your family. Max was one of a kind. Growing up he was like a second Dad for me. He always had time to talk me. Later in life, I enjoyed visiting Ruth and Max with my children. However, time has past and I haven't seen Ruth and Max for a few years. But I would think of them from time to time, especially on Flag Day their wedding anniversay. Fond memories: I have alot of fond memories of Max. He loved drinking Pepsi, always insisted driving me home so I wouldn't walk at night byself even though Lisa and I only lived a block apart growing up Thank you Lisa for sharing Dad with me. Crys Bast
Crys & Brian Bast
Cedar Rapids
IA
Max was the first person I met at Collins. He was always the same person many years later. I knnow your family will miss him greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shirley Spinler
orange city
FL
Max and I worked together at Rockwell Collins for many years and I considered him a good friend.I'm not able to attend the funeral or visitation due to my brotherin laws by pass surgery Monday afternoon. My deepest sympathy to Ruth and her family.
Gordon Behrens
Mt.Vernon
IA
Jeannine and Lisa, We were so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire family. May all of your wonderful memories and the support of your close-knit family be of comfort to you. We are thinking of you all. Hugs from Tom, Shelly, Reid & Riley
Tom, Shelly, Reid & Riley Galbraith
Cedar Rapids
IA
I remember going to Max and Ruth's house as a young girl, Tina and Tabitha runnin around with their cute painted toe nails, Max sitting in his chair, drinkin a pepsi, smokin a cigarette. Mom and i would visit quite often on a saturday afternoon. I am so very sorry that Max is gone, but you could just tell at the last family reunion he was exhausted. And seeing Max like that was so hard. But you know, he still had his humor and made jokes. After all he was going through, he could still make me laugh. I'm so glad that i got to walk him to the car that day, and tell him that i loved him right back. You will be missed Uncle Max....
Deb Kahl
West Liberty
IA
Ruth, Lisa and Jeannine and Family, It was great to see you all at the visitation. We admired your dad and have many great memories from our times spent at the house on 29th Street. We will always remember Max with his bottle of Pepsi and a dog on his lap. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Love, Lisa Musker-Fluent and Beth Musker-Furnish
Lisa and Beth Musker
Cedar Rapids
IA
Dear Ruth, Lisa and family, I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Max. I always enjoyed talking to him when I cared for him at St Lukes on 3W and the Emergencey dept. He was a very strong man than endured so much pain. In spite of it all he was always cheerful and always spoke of the love he had for his family. As Max did, try to stayt strong during this time or sorrow and cherish the wonderful memeories you have. I will be thinking of you all.
Marilyn Stauffer
cedar rapids
IA
Ruth, Jeannine & Lisa - I have so many wonderful memories of "hangin out" with Jeannine and your family at the house on 29th street! You ALWAYS made me feel welcome and I especially remember Max as happy and liking to tease us! I can remember first meeting him 7th grade and being afraid of him because he was a big man with a strong booming voice and I was so young and unsure of myself! It wasn't long before I realized he was just a wonderful, kind, big "teddy bear" of a guy...nothing to fear and, in fact, I know that Jeannine always knew she could go to him when she needed to! He tolorated a lot of silliness from us back then and was very patient late at night as our sleep overs always seemed to revolve around not much "sleep"! I appreciate his kindness and how comfortable he made me feel in your home! I know he will be very missed by you all...and many others! I am praying that God will encircle you with his arms today as you grieve his passing and celebrate his new life in heaven..and I give thanks for the wonderful memories we all have because Max enriched our lives! Love you! Jill
Jill Robertson
Russellville
AR
My deepest sympathy to the Irish family in this time of deep sorrow. I was just a little kid when the Irish's lived up the street from us and they would probably know my brother Monte more as he is ten years older. I do have some memories of Dennis, from when they still lived here. I got to know Dorothy a little when she worked at LeFebure. I got to talk to George and Helen when the Irish clan came to Shellsburg 'Big Days'. If I remember, Helen may have introduced me to Max. Of course I knew Helen and Dean mostly as they lived here in Shellsburg until the kids grew up and they retired. Every now and then I would run into George whenever he would visit in Shellsburg. We will keep the Irish family in our thoughts and our prayers. Joslyn & Denise Railsback
Joslyn Railsback
Shellsburg
IA
My Uncle Max was a wonderful man. He loved his family so much. I will greatly miss him and his laughter and smile. and his hugs and kisses. I promised him that I would look after you Ruth, and Jeannine and Lisa and I will stand by that forever. You are my family also and mean the world to me. When I am with you I feel Max's presence and I see him in all of you. To my mother who loved Max so much and he loved her, I know how much you will miss "Macky" and I will always be here for you. I love you with all my heart. The first thing that Uncle Max would say to us is "Wheres my kiss?" so I am sending all my kisses to him in heaven and to all of you. Love- Michelle Greazey
Michelle Fox niece
CEDAR RAPIDS
IA
My Uncle Max was a wonderful man. He loved his family so much. I will greatly miss him and his laughter and smile. and his hugs and kisses. I promised him that I would look after you Ruth, and Jeannine and Lisa and I will stand by that forever. You are my family also and mean the world to me. When I am with you I feel Max's presence and I see him in all of you. To my mother who loved Max so much and he loved her, I know how much you will miss "Macky" and I will always be here for you. I love you with all my heart. The first thing that Uncle Max would say to us is "Wheres my kiss?" so I am sending all my kisses to him in heaven and to all of you. Love- Michelle Greazey
Michelle Fox niece
CEDAR RAPIDS
IA
I have many memories from my youth with Uncle Max as well as my other loving aunts and uncles. Several memories with Uncle Max are especially vivid. One time when I was in grade school, mom and dad made me stay at the dinner table after dinner until I finished my milk which I detested. I was sitting alone and Uncle Max came along and felt sorry for me, so he drank it for me. Another time I was doing some art work at home and I drew on myself. Uncle Max saw and told me that the Bible says it is a sin to draw on our bodies, so I stopped, and always remembered what he said whenever I was thinking about writing on myself. I also remember sitting on Uncle Max's lap, playing cards, and drinking Pepsi with him. He took great pleasure in calling me a "Pepsiholic", just like him. Well Uncle Max, now I'm a diet cokeaholic! I will always remember him as a handsome, kind, funny, and affectionate man. I have nothing but fond memories with Uncle Max and Aunt Ruth. I'm glad Uncle Max is no longer suffering. He is in paradise today, drinking a Pepsi with the other saints, and looking down with love at the family that meant so much to him.
Steve Schirm nephew
St. Petersburg
Florida
My family asked me add this to Uncle Max's memorial online so all of you that could not make it to the funeral would be able to read it. I was honored to speak at Max's funeral- My name is Michelle Fox, I am the daughter of Berniece and Leonard Fox, and one of Max's nieces. My Aunt Ruth asked me if I would like to say something about Max, I apologize if this is too long, but I would like to speak from my heart. My Uncle Max would want me to introduce myself to all of you as "Greazey". I am a nurse at St Lukes and after one of Max's serious surgeries he was in ICU and I was at his bedside and I asked him "do you know who I am?" and he said "Yes I do, your Greazey!". Since then we have laughed about it and he often called me Greazey and informed his doctors that was my name. Now I often hear "Hi Greazey" from many of them. I called him Maxey and he is someone that I love very deeply. I have always loved Maxey but we really became close over the past 15 years. Since he was in the hopsital often I would visit him and I would try to do all I could to make him comfortable. He would introduce me to everyone that walked into his room. We would kiss each other often and always say how we loved one another. One night I sat with him for two hours and we held hands and watched tv and talked about everything. He would tell me stories about his childhood and my mother and how much he loved her. He always hated for me to leave his room. I promised him that I would always try and take care of him the best that I could, and he appreciated it. He was loved by everyone at the hospital and it seemed that every 15 minutes someone would be coming in to do something to him and he never complained. Before his surgeries I would go back with him to the operating room and hold his hand until he was asleep, often checking in during his surgery making sure they were taking special care of him, or they would have to answer to me and then I would care for him in the recovery room after surgery and as soon as he woke up I was kissing him and telling him that I love him and that everything was going to be okay. I was proud to say that he was my uncle and he was proud of me too. He always knew how to make me laugh and somtimes we would cry together. I always knew that no matter WHAT Max would love me. He loved his family so much. Last week I promised him again that I would always take care of my mother for him and his family also. So I want you to know Ruth, and Jeannine and Lisa I will always be here for you. While I was at work Thursday I overheard on the loud speaker, Code Blue, as I often do. But then I heard Room 579, Max's room #, it took my breath away and I took off running and I want you all to know that I was with Max when the doctor and nurses were trying to save his life. They did all they could, as I held his hand and kissed him, telling him that we all loved him and we were going to be okay. He did not suffer during this. It was so painful to have to tell you he was gone. I watched him suffer for so long,as we all did, and as much as I will miss my Uncle Max I know that he is now at peace. No more surgeries, tests, shortness of breath or pain. He can now finally rest without any pain or worries. So Maxey I want you to know that I will always love you, and everytime I am with your family I know you will be there too, I can see you in their eyes. I will be waiting for my kiss and to hold your hand again when we meet in heaven. Love- Greazey My mother, Bernie, asked me to read something from her that she wrote on Saturday morning. As I sat this morning and thought about my big brother, I could not help but think how Max and I would talk about reading the obituraries and saying "I guess we are okay, I don't see our names in the paper!" I can't begin to tell you how I will miss Max. We had a very close relationship for all of our lives. But, Saturday morning I got up early, and hesitated bringing the Gazette into read. I prepared my usual coffee and sat down to read my special section, the section we always read first as we grow older. I just couldn't get my fingers to open up the pages. As I peeked inside I saw those "Irish eyes" shining at me and I totally lost it and I was speechless and broken hearted. After Max's last surgery one of the many surgeries he had I would go over to their beautiful home and sit with Max so Ruth could have a little break although she had so many things to do-there wasn't enough hours. Max would say to me, as we shared our little tins of Good & Plenty licorice, I've made so many mistakes in my life I hope God forgives me?! I'm sure Max did make mistakes don't we all? But he learned so much from his mistakes. But the one big thing he did not make a mistake on for sure was picking his beautiful,loving and oh so caring wife, "Ruth Ann". Max was not always easy to live with What Irish is? We're strong headed. Ruth Ann, I am so glad that Max picked you, an excellent wife,great mother for Lisa and Jeannine, and proud, SO PROUD, which she should be grandmother for Robyn and Bryce. Ruth Ann and I will always be best sisters, Max loved that. Ruth has gone above and beyond her vows to my Brother Max for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death has parted them, only in body but never in their minds. Thankyou Ruth Ann for being the very best we could ask for our "Macky". We love you guys so much. I knew I could not get up and say this today, I'm just way too heartbroken-so once again I've asked, my Michelle who Max considered his third daughter, to bid my farewell to my SPECIAL, SPECIAL "brother". This is our last chance to tell Max how we really feel about him and so until we meet again, "ADIOS AMIGO"!!! I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU, "BERNIE".
Michelle Fox niece
CEDAR RAPIDS
IA
My sincere sympathy to my cousins Ruth Ann, Lisa, and Jeannine. I will always remember Max and Ruth Ann coming down to the farm to visit. We always had such a good time. I miss those visits but have lots of good memories.
Rosemary Stull Kendall
Green Valley
AZ
I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT MAX. WE HAVE FOND MEMORIES WHEN YOU ALL WOULD COME AND VISIT. PLEASE STAY IN TOUCH. YOUR COUSIN AND "AUNT" SHIRLEY
BILL AND SHIRLEY HERMANN
GREEN VALLEY
AZ
Our sympathy to Jeannine and her family.Although we never met Max we know he will be deeply missed by his family.