"My deepest sympathy to the family for your loss. May the "...God of all comfort..." be with you during this time of sadness. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4) (Psalm 83:18)"
Leo "Max" Gauch, 82, of Baxter passed away suddenly on his farm on Monday, April 30, 2018. A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at Bethany United Church of Christ in rural Baxter from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 4, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethany United Church of Christ with Pastor Jerry Stevenson officiating. Burial will follow in the Restland Cemetery in Baxter, Iowa.
Max was born at home in Baxter on December 10, 1935 to Jack and Thelma (Rankin) Gauch. He was raised in Baxter and drove the school bus for the kids while he was in school. He graduated from Baxter High School in 1955. He began working for Davie Jones Cement Company, then Al Nuzum Supply Company, and drove semi for Doug Deutch all in Baxter. He married Eileen Whitney at the Center Christian Church in Marshalltown, Iowa on October 20, 1957. The couple made their home in Baxter where they raised their family together. In 1963, Max began farming and raising livestock with Raymond and Hilda Deppe. Max took over the farm and maintained it right until the end. An important part of Max's life was the time he spent with his Uncle Tony Gauch. Max was a member of the Farm Bureau. He enjoyed farming, running large equipment, trucks, tractor pulling, attending antique tractor shows, camping, watching barges on the Mississippi River, watching his grandkids participate in various sports, watching squirrels, and spending time with his beloved dog, Patches.
Those left to cherish Max's loving memory are his wife of 61 years Eileen Gauch of Baxter, IA; sons Jim (Deb) Gauch, Doug (Tammy) Gauch, Scott (Joann Maxwell) Gauch, all of Baxter, IA; grandchildren Donna (Anthony) Binning, Lindsey (Collin) Pertruczenko, Spencer Gauch, Missy McCallum, Stephanie Gauch, and Heather Gauch; 9 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; brother Chuck (Linda) Gauch; sister Judy Smith; sisters-in-law; special cousin Verle (Joyce) Lint; many nieces, nephews, and close friends.
Max was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mae Mackerman and Linda Gauch.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Gauch family.
Fredregill Funeral & Cremation Care has been entrusted with the care of Max and his family.
"My deepest sympathy to the family for your loss. May the "...God of all comfort..." be with you during this time of sadness. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4) (Psalm 83:18)"
"So very sorry for your family's loss. Dawn (Wiese) McKole"
"So sorry to hear of Max's death. Thinking about you all with memories and prayers."
"Our sympathy to your whole family. "
"Our prayers and sympathies are extended to the family and friends of Max Gauch."