Watch Max's Memorial Mass

Max Voss, age 87, of Waubun, MN, died on Sunday, February 7, 2021, at his home under the loving care of his family and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Maxamillian Norbert Voss was born in Ogema, MN, on August 27, 1933, the second child to Albert "Ole" and Dorothy (Thoennes) Voss. He attended Ogema Public School, then Waubun High School where he graduated with the class of 1951. Following high school, Max enlisted in the United States Navy where he served for three years (1951-1954) on the USS Salem, sailing to many different countries. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Max enrolled in Lee School of Barbering in St. Paul, MN. In 1955, he started his first job as a barber in Detroit Lakes, MN, before relocating back to St. Paul to be closer to family. During this time, Max met a Wisconsin girl, Cleo Kahabka. The two began dating and were united in marriage on July 4, 1958. They were blessed with a son in 1959, Timothy Albert Voss. In May of 1960, they moved to Waubun, where Max opened a barber shop and barbered for 59 years until retiring in September of 2019, due to health issues. During his barber days, Max split his time between the Waubun, Ogema and Flom communities. He also traveled to area nursing homes to give haircuts to residents.

Max loved hunting, fishing, and collecting. His collection consisted of antiques, guns, pocket watches, stamps, and coins. He had three auctions and many garage sales to sell items he accrued over the years. Max also liked carving diamond willow canes and listening to the polka party every Sunday afternoon while driving the back country roads with his basset hound, Winston. He always enjoyed weekends at his cabins on Tulaby and Big Elbow Lake. Countless hours were spent rocking in his chair and watching squirrels and birds out the window. Max truly loved being a barber and his barbershop. He appreciated the comradery and considered his customers as great friends. They would come from near and far to visit and hear his stories. He would only close the barber shop for special occasions which included weddings, funerals, and deer hunting. Max was kind and gentle, yet fun loving and witty with a great sense of humor. He was generous and hardworking, always putting others before himself. Above all, family was his top priority and he adored watching his grandchildren grow up and more recently his great-grandchildren. Max was a member of the Ogema V.F.W. Post #9880 and was elected 9 ^th District Commander in 1969. He also held memberships with the Mahnomen American Legion Isaacson-Bjorge Post #31 for 56 years and Mahnomen Knights of Columbus from 1965 to present day.  Max was a staple in the community and will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.

Max is survived by his wife, Cleo, of Waubun; son, Tim Voss also of Waubun; four grandchildren: Tyler (Toi) Voss of Moorhead, MN, Tanner Voss of Waubun, Tori (Riley) Burns of Hawley, MN, and Tate Voss of Detroit Lakes; two great-grandchildren, Crew Burns and Nixon Voss; one brother, Richard (Jan) Voss of St. Paul, MN; two sisters, Annella Gassett of Princeton, MN, and Olene Ahles of Waubun; four sisters-in-law: Vonnie (Jim) Kulow, Myrna (Bob) Schuh, Alice Auth, and Debbie Knudsen; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers-in-law, Ervin Ahles and Tom Gassett; and a sister-in-law, Ann Voss.

Max wrote a note before passing that he wanted us to share.

"I would like to thank all my relatives, friends & customers for everything they did for me.   To my wife Cleo and my family for giving me such a wonderful life. My two new great grandchildren Crew & Nixon. And the good lord for 87 great years here on earth."

In honoring Max's wishes, he was cremated and a Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Waubun, MN.  A Time of Gathering will be held 2 hours prior to the service from 8:00-10:00 a.m. at the church. A graveside service with full Military honors will be held in the spring at St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery in Waubun.

Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, social distancing will be practiced, and all must wear a mask to participate.  The funeral service will be recorded and available for viewing shortly after the funeral.