Max Eugene Hellberg went home to be with his Savior on Feb. 4, 2024.
Max was born on Sept. 26, 1932 in the parsonage of Emmanual Lutheran Church in Walla Walla, Wash.
He grew up on a farm with his brothers, Martin and Lee and his sister, Lois on the Oregon/Washington state line. He especially enjoyed raising cattle and horses. He graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1950, farmed with his father and brother Lee, and served in the Army during the Korean War.
In 1959, Max married the love of his life, Marilyn Boe. They started out on the family farm in Walla Walla and in 1963 moved on to farm in Morrow County with the first three of their six children. In 1972, the family moved to Irrigon. Max was active with the Morrow County rodeo and was honored to be the grand marshal in 2015. Max enjoyed serving his community, including being a director on the board of Umatilla Electric Cooperative.
Max and Marilyn taught their children to work hard and follow Jesus. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Hermiston.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Hellberg; children, Marilee (Dave) Nufer, Palmer, Alaska; Tim Hellberg, Irrigon; Trina (Darrell) Miles, Finley, Wash.; and Joy Broderson, Jordan, Minn.; as well as 19 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Hilda Hellberg; brother, Martin Hellberg; and children, Beth (John) Creason and Kurt (Ericka) Hellberg.
A celebration of life will be at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church.
