Max Balkema

Max E. Balkema, 79, of Berne passed away Thursday, October 20, 2022, at Swiss Village in Berne. He was born February 1, 1943, in Lafayette to William and Mary (Weiderhaft) Balkema. He was married August 2, 1969, in Berne to Maxine Steury.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Korea. He graduated from Tri-State University (now Trine University) with a B.A. in business.
He was regional director for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship for several years before joining the family lawn and garden implement business in Romney. Later, he was employed at Fairfield Manufacturing in Lafayette where he was a crib maintenance supervisor.
From the moment he accepted Christ in college, he thoroughly enjoyed meeting people in all walks of life and sharing the love of Jesus with them. He was well known as the amazing church greeter who created positive first impressions and was very skilled at getting visitors plugged into the church body. He was dedicated to his wife of 53 years, his children, grandchildren and extended family. He and his wife prayed daily for their children and grandchildren ensuring answers to those prayers will be felt for future generations to come. He enjoyed attending Purdue basketball and football games while following team member careers closely. While he will be missed by many, the results of his investment in people will bear fruit for an even larger number of souls going forward.
He is survived by his wife of Berne; daughter, Julie (Marcus) Lewis of Germantown, Tennessee; son, Chris (Jill) Balkema of Channahon, Illinois; five grandchildren, Luke Balkema; Isaiah Lewis; Max Balkema; Corie Lewis; and Kristin Lewis; two brothers, Duane Balkema of Cocoa Beach, Florida; and Alan (Monica Dignam) Balkema of Bloomington; and two sisters, Margene (Thomas) Brown of Lafayette; and Jane (Dave) Clute of Cicero.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister-in-law, Marge Balkema.
Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 29 at the First Missionary Church in Berne followed by a funeral service at 12:30 p.m. All are invited to stay for a meal and fellowship at the conclusion of the service. Burial will be at Mazelin Cemetery in Berne. Military committal services will be conducted by the joint American Legion Post #468, Berne and VFW Post #6751, Geneva color guard.
Memorials may be made to First Missionary Church in Berne or Evangelical Covenant Church in Lafayette.
Arrangements provided by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne. To sign the online guest book, visit www.zwickjahn.com.