Max R. Grudzielanek

Max Richard Grudzielanek, 92, of Franklin, Wisconsin, passed away on June 16, 2020 in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. A private mass was held at St. Stephens Catholic Church, followed by burial at Arlington Park Cemetery, Milwaukee. Max was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Rose and Max Grudzielanek Sr. on May 30, 1928. He graduated from Milwaukee Boys Tech High School in 1946. Max met his future wife Laona at the Allen Bradley Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and in 1975 Max and Laona (nee Giese) were married in Las Vegas. Max was a machinist at the Allen Bradley Company for 30 years and retired in 1985. In 1950 Max enlisted in the Army and served in the Korean War, earning the Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Army Occupation Medal (Japan). He was a member of the Wreckers Athletic Club for veterans. He received numerous awards for trap shooting. Uncle Max was a special uncle to all of his nieces and nephews since he did not have children of his own. He was the godfather of niece Kam Aures. He lovingly took care of his parents, Max and Rose for many years at their house on the south side of Milwaukee. He cherished his dogs Buzzy who tagged along on his hunting trips and Daisy whose favorite snack was liverwurst. Max enjoyed pursuing his many hobbies with family and friends: trap shooting on Lake Michigan, golfing at Oakwood Golf Course, skiing, baseball, bowling, tobogganing and going on sleigh rides in Whitnall Park, painting, hunting, and mall-walking with his friends. He had a great talent for mixing all sorts of adult beverages, namely the Grasshopper. During the holidays, he made his famous salt-encrusted Standing Rib Roast. Uncle Max loved to buy the latest products; he proudly owned one of the first microwave ovens on the market, paying a hefty price of $800 for it. He was known to special-order automobiles to meet his specifications and then wait months for their arrival. When his nieces and nephews came to town for a visit, he enjoyed taking them to various local attractions, to the custard stand, or to dinner at one of his favorite Greek restaurants. Max is preceded in death by his wife Laona Grudzielanek, his sister and brother-in-law Ruth and Bruno Bietka, his brother and sister-in-law Ray and Helen Grudzielanek, and his parents, Max and Rose Grudzielanek Sr. Max also suffered the loss of his two beloved dogs, Buzzy and Daisy. Max is survived by 7 nieces and nephews: Donna White (Dale), Shirley Bahr (Loyall), Rosemary Jouskey (Larry), Gary Grudzielanek (Tammy), Pamela Spangler, Donald Grudzielanek (Patsy), and Judy Gyuro (Steve). Max is survived by 10 great nieces and nephews: Michelle Savko (Steve), Kam Aures, Tara Webb (Andrew), Caron Anderson (Kris), Kimberly Cupolo (Frank), Christopher Grudzielanek (Tara), Paige Reber (Jarred), Tanner Spangler, Michelle Wilson (Nick), and Stephanie Metten (Christian). Max is also survived by 19 great-great nieces and nephews: Christian and Madeline Acosta; Cayden and Max Aures; Olivia, Cian, and Mila Webb; Lola Jane, Beck and Tucker Anderson; Sofia and Preston Cupolo; Gia Helen Grudzielanek; Hunter and Trapper Reber; Kieran, Graham, and Lachlan Wilson; and Avery Metten. The family of Max Grudzielanek wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the amazing staff at Seasons Hospice, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made by visiting the SeasonsFoundation.org website or by calling 1-847-692-1000.