Max Townsend

Max Warren Townsend was born June 15, 1917 in Leven Township, MN, the son of Daniel and Agnes (Adolphsen) Townsend. He was raised on the family farm near Lake Leven and graduated from high school at Villard, MN. ON January 9, 1942 Max was united in marriage to Ruth Brackin. The couple was blessed with two children, Ralph and Tom. They continued the farming tradition. They rented a farm until 1956 when they bought their own farm in Orange Township. Max operated his dairy farm until 1978; he sold the farm and moved to Alexandria, MN. Max continued working at various jobs. He worked for Larry Hanson installing dairy equipment. He also worked for Alex Lumber and Bremer Bank. Max served his community as a member of the Cenex board and a long-time member of the Lake Leven Cemetery Board. Dairy farming was something Max really enjoyed; his work was his hobby. He continued this hobby through conversations with his grandson-in-law who shares farming interests. Max had several other interests including fishing and spearing, music and dancing, and playing whist. He kept busy blowing snow for neighbors and always enjoyed visiting. He loved going down to Jan?s Place for breakfast and spending time with his coffee buddies. On Wednesday, June 18, 2014 Max died at the age of ninety-seven years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Townsend; one brother, George Townsend; and two sisters Aileen Gerdes and Ruth Paulson. Max is survived by his two sons, Ralph Townsend and wife, Helen, of Garfield, MN and Tom Townsend and wife, Cynthia, of Alexandria; grandchildren, Mike Townsend and wife, Jewel, Jay Townsend and fianc�, Jodi Artman, Vicky Townsend, Katie Kalina and husband, Luke; and great grandchildren, Megan and Danny Townsend and Gracie Pollack. A funeral service was held Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at the United Methodist Church in Alexandria. Reverend Adrian Ledermann was the officiant. Music was provided by Lonnie Kriel and Carla Lee. Interment followed in the Lake Leven Cemetery near Villard. Casket bearers included Mike Townsend, Jay Townsend, Luke Kalina, Mike Sandberg, Brian Sandberg, Dave Paulson and Dale Flemming. Honorary casket bearers included all of Max?s grandchildren and great grandchildren. Arrangements were with Anderson Funeral Home.