Max Fredrick Futernick, a resident of West Bloomfield, Michigan, died on March 3rd, 2024 at the age of 34. Funeral services arranged by The Dorfman Chapel.

Location of Service:

The Dorfman Chapel- main chapel (map to our Chapel)

Date of Service:

Thursday March 7th, 2024

Time of Service:

10:00 AM  

Interment at:

Clover Hill Park, 2425 E 14 Mile Rd, Birmingham, MI

Officiant:

Rabbi Megan Brudney
Cantor Rachel Gottlieb Kalmowitz  

Shiva Information:

The family will be sitting through Saturday evening at the residence of Sarah Futernick and Matthew Peven, 31173 Ramble Rd. Franklin MI 48025 Phone: (248) 763-2865.

Religious services will be held Thursday and Saturday evenings at 7:00PM.

Shiva Hours:
Thursday, Friday and Saturday- from 12:00PM until 4:00PM, then 6:00PM until 9:00PM.  
See our shiva mapping options

Charitable contributions:

The Prechter Bipolar Research Program at Michigan Medicine
777 Eisenhower Suite 650
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Phone: 734-763-4895  

Family Members:

Max Fredrick Futernick, 34, of Ann Arbor, lived a life of exuberance, empathy, and heart until it was extinguished unexpectedly on March 3. Max entered the world big and booming, bright-eyed, and almost comically muscular. And from the moment he could talk, he had so much to say. "He was just a little spark plug of life," said his mother, Margaret Weissman, "and so much fun."

From an early age, Max's kinetic personality was impossible to contain. When he was three, Max was buzzing around the backyard raising a ruckus when his papa stepped outside to tell him to pipe down. "Sure!" Max shouted, never looking back as he continued to run and laugh. His papa, who could be intimidating to the rest of the world, surrendered to Max's energy. "Let's embrace his joy and spirit," Max's papa said. It was good advice.

Max was co-captain of the then-Andover High School swim team in Bloomfield Hills and graduated from Michigan State University, where he majored in international relations within MSU's James Madison College, along with Jewish Studies. After college, Max lived in Los Angeles, Chicago, and ultimately Ann Arbor, working in various roles at Zingerman's and Thomson Reuters.

Max had a dazzling mind, achieving a nearly perfect score on the ACT and, just for fun, taking the LSAT, the standardized test for prospective law students, to see if he could beat the score of his sister, Sarah Futernick, who is now a lawyer. He did. Max seemed to know something about everything, and loved to talk (or more accurately, argue) about politics, history, food, or really anything at all. A natural athlete, Max excelled at skiing, wakeboarding, and basketball. Max had too many hobbies and interests to cover in an obituary, and particularly loved hiking, tending to his plants, high-quality produce and olive oil, and most genres of music from funk to bluegrass. He had a special connection with animals, particularly his sister's dog Wally whom he declared a brother.

Max loved his family and was generous to a fault. He treasured his weekend swim and deli dates with his father, Irwin Futernick, with whom he shared the same deep voice, mannerisms, and gentle heart. He loved his momma, Margaret, beyond measure and was looking forward to numerous trips the two planned together. Max and his sister Sarah were extraordinarily close. They had their own language from an early age, even forming imaginary lands, games, and characters to play in home videos. Max and Sarah were always present in each others' lives through numerous phases, trips, and locations, which resulted in countless shared friendships and experiences. And Max thrived as an uncle. Nothing made his nieces Lilah and Elenora happier than when Uncle Max came to visit or appeared on Facetime. Asked what she learned from Uncle Max, young Lilah (3) offered that "he taught me to fart outside." Max would be very proud of this accomplishment.

Loved ones are remembering Max for the joy and laughter he brought to their lives, and the resilience he demonstrated throughout various challenges he faced. Since his death, Max's family has been inundated with heartfelt messages from a diverse cast of friends across the country, which Max easily accumulated wherever he traveled. Particularly meaningful are the messages received from those in the Ann Arbor sober community who shared how Max helped them in their recovery or even saved their lives. Supporting others and giving back was a huge part of Max's life. He never judged other people and got along with nearly everyone from all walks of life. Max could float seamlessly through different parts of society, but always stayed true to himself and his values regardless of his surroundings.

Put simply, Max was a mensch. He was special. He will be so missed.

Beloved son of Irwin (Julie Ritten) Futernick and Margaret (Donnie Weinstein) Weissman. Dear brother of Sarah Futernick and Matthew Peven, Peter and Emily Nagle. Loving uncle of Lilah Peven, Elenora Peven and Daxton Nagle. Also survived by his dog-brother, Wally and many other loving family members and friends.  

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Yahrzeit Schedule:

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