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 Macmackerman 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.