The Memorial Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Max Klemek, Jr. of Clarissa will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Clarissa, with Fr. Joe Herzing presiding. Family and friends may gather at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. 

  Max, 94, passed away with family at his side on June 27, 2025, under the gentle care of Horizon Hospice of Douglas County and the staff at the St. Williams Living Center in Parkers Prairie.

  Max was born to Max Sr. and Minnie (Thoennes) Klemek on December 14, 1930, at Parkers Prairie. He grew up around the Parkers Prairie, Urbank and Henning area. He attended country school through 8th grade, then went to work on the family farm until about age 18. He then left home to help with farming for the Edmund Holecek family.

  He entered the US Army in February of 1952 and was shipped off to fight in the Korean War until November of 1953. He was a decorated Sargeant upon active discharge, serving in the Army reserves until April 1960. After his discharge, he worked as a machinist at Washington Scientific Industries in Long Lake, Minn., for 17 plus years. He and his brother, Alton, invented a machine called a Multiple Boring and spindle drill, which is currently used in the industry today. 

  On March 5, 1966, Max married Mary Hennagir at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Henning. They lived in Medina before moving to Bertha and farmed from 1970 until retiring in 2003. After retirement, they moved to their home in Clarissa, where they enjoyed the company of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

  Max loved deer hunting with his extended family in many locations, ice fishing and all the stories those experiences made (including celebratory brandy shots for those who got a deer). He enjoyed having coffee every morning with his friends at the local cafes, where they solved all the problems of the world. He was a proud member of the NRA his entire adult life.

  Preceding Max in death were his wife, Mary (2015); parents, Max and Minnie Klemek; son Barry Klemek; siblings: Mammie Doll, Lucy Johnson, Irene Klemek, Ervin Klemek, Ellsworth Klemek, Alton Klemek, Anthony Klemek; and parents-in-law, Chet and Ruthie Hennagir.

  Remembering Max will be his son, Larry (Marilyn) of Bertha, daughter, Karen (Paul) Walgren of Clarissa MN, and daughter-in-law, Robin Klemek of Deer Creek; 6 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; and brother, Lawrence Klemek of Eagle Bend.

  Honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren: Matthew Klemek, Megan Dolezal, Michael Klemek, Brandon Klemek, Christopher Klemek and Jacob Walgren.

  Interment of both Max and Mary will be at the St. Edwards Catholic Cemetery in Henning.

Arrangements with the Schuller Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Wadena, Bertha, Verndale, MN, and surrounding communities. (www.SchullerFamilyFH.com)