Max Berkes

Max Kenneth Berkes, 75, of Albion, passed away on September 24, 2025, at Parkview Hospital. He was born on July 16, 1950, in Wolf Lake, to the late Kenneth and Wilma (Schurich) Berkes. Max was a devoted husband, father, and friend who lived his life with a dedication to his family and a passion for his work. He married his wife on October 1, 1977, and together they built a life full of love, joy, and shared experiences. He was a man defined by his work ethic, spending 43 years as a Quality Team Leader at Precision Plastic before retiring. His commitment to his career was only surpassed by his love for his family, which he considered his most outstanding achievement. Max was known for his love of the outdoors, often spending his time gardening and meticulously mowing his yard. In his younger years, he enjoyed milking and farming, as well as exciting dune buggy rides and Coho fishing. Max was a man of simple pleasures, finding joy in the everyday tasks and hobbies that brought him closer to nature. He is survived by his wife, Brenda Berkes; his son, Max (Britnie Gay) Berkes, Jr.; his daughters, Sabrina Smolek and Phillena (Mike Allgood) Berkes; his siblings, Melvin Berkes, Pat Stangland, Sandy (Jim) Bill, and Mary (Kevin) Lefever; 12 grandchildren, Devon Berkes, Lynnsey Berkes, Cheyanne Smolek, Zachary Starks II, Jordan Smolek, Sebastian Smolek, Colton Smolek, Solomon Smolek, Kyra Berkes, Olivia Berkes, Evelyn Berkes, Taylor Waters; and seven great-grandchildren, Asher Berkes, Zoee Berkes, Alyza Berkes, Callum Berkes, Zachary Starks III, Adalynn Starks, Azaiah Starks. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three brothers, Larry Berkes, Jack Berkes, Walter Berkes; a sister, Peg Thomas, and a daughter. At this time, there will be no service at the Funeral Home for Max.