Max W Sowers

Max William Sowers, 82, of Cedar Falls, IA, is at peace after a long journey with Alzheimers.  He passed away on August 7, 2011 at Thalman Square surrounded by the love of his family.

Max was born August 28, 1928 to Helen (Kelly) and J.W. "Bill" Sowers in Ames, IA. He was a 1947 graduate of Ames High School where he enjoyed great football and basketball success, earning recognition as an All State athlete in both sports his junior and senior years, as well as, winning the 1945 State Basketball Championship.   He was inducted into the Ames High School Athletic Hall of Fame and the Iowa State High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame for his football and basketball achievements.  He entered the University of Iowa as a Nile Kinnick Scholar and member of the Hawkeye football team, graduating in 1951.  He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force upon graduation from the ROTC program at Iowa and served at Chanute Air Force Base, Rantoul, IL, during the Korean Conflict from 1951-1953.

He married Marilyn Romey on February 2, 1952 in Mason City, IA. They had two daughters, Jean and Edie.  Following his Air Force service, they made their home in Mason City and he began his career in business by joining Romey Realty Co. and later, Mutual Federal Savings and Loan.  In 1972 they moved to Cedar Falls where he worked for First Federal Savings and Loan, later known as Family Federal Savings and Loan, serving as president for 13 years.  Throughout his life, he was an active civic leader, serving in many leadership and board positions. He served as president of Phi Kappa Psi and was a member of the Student Board of Publications while at the University of Iowa, and was past president of Mason City Lions Club, Mason City Country Club, Cedar Falls Chamber of Commerce and Beaver Hills Country Club in Cedar Falls.

Max was an avid golfer and shared that enthusiasm with friends and family, teaching the game and making clubs for his grandchildren. Every day on the golf course was a great day.  Golf highlights for Max included making 7 holes-in-one, playing championship courses across the country, such as Augusta National and a trip to Scotland playing famous historic courses.

Upon retirement in 1987, the couple lived in Clear Lake, Iowa and Dauphin Island, Alabama until their move to Windridge in the Western Home Communities in March 2008.  Since September 2010, Max resided in Thalman Square where he received wonderful care by supportive and compassionate caregivers.

Max is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughters Jean (Vaughn) Kubiak, of Richland, MI and Edie (Kent) Freise of West Des Moines, IA; six grandchildren, including; Ryan Kubiak, San Francisco, CA; Allison Kubiak,  Prairie Village, KS; Rob Kubiak, Richland, MI; Keith (Christa) Butler, Ankeny, IA; Pete Butler and Joe (Leah) Butler and great grandson, Grady Butler, Indianola, IA.   He was preceded in death by his parents.

A private family service will be held on August 20th with Reverend Shelly Wood officiating.  Friends and family are invited to join in celebrating and honoring Max's life from 1-3:00 on Sunday, August 21st at Windridge, 5311 Hyacinth Drive, Cedar Falls, IA.    Memorials may be directed to the Western Home Foundation, Cedar Valley Hospice or Cedar Heights Community Presbyterian Church.  Online condolences may be left at www.DahlFuneralHome.com.