Max Niesar

Spearfish, S. Dak.

Max E. Niesar Jr., 86, of Spearfish, South Dakota (formerly of Minot, ND), passed away on September 19, 2024, of end stage COPD, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on June 15, 1938, in Havre de Grace, Maryland, to Helen (Johnson) and Max E. Niesar Sr. In 1956 Max graduated from Perryville High School, Perryville, Maryland. Upon graduation, he entered the Air Force. His first duty station was Eglin Air Force Base near Pensacola, Florida. It was there he met his future wife, Lucinda Forbus. They were married on December 20, 1958.

Max returned to Maryland with Cindy to serve in the Air Force Reserve for a short time before reenlisting in 1963, and serving until honorably discharged in 1986. During his military career he served as a nuclear weapons technician, superintendent, manager, and completed his service as a Senior Enlisted Advisor. Max mentored many young airmen, leading through example inspiring leadership to all he met. Max had duty stations throughout the world, including Germany, England, Turkey, Otis Air Base, Massachusetts, Peterson Field Air Force Base, Colorado, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Pease Air Force Base, New Hampshire, and Beale Air Force Base, California.

Upon retirement from the military, Max returned to Minot, North Dakota. He pursued and earned his degree in psychology from Minot State University in 1987. Upon graduation, he joined the North Dakota Job Service working with veterans and helping them transition to civilian life, retiring in 1998.

Max and Cindy later relocated to Spearfish, South Dakota to enjoy their retirement where they spent many days touring the Black Hills and in Deadwood socializing with friends.

Growing up in Maryland, Max enjoyed shooting ducks on the Susquehanna River, near Port Deposit, and throughout his life, enjoyed fishing along the banks of ponds and small rivers.

His is survived by his daughters, Sherry Niesar (spouse Peter Wax), Bismarck, and Rebecca Edwards (spouse Dennis Edwards); grandchildren, Laura Anderson, Emily Rubbelke, Nicholas Wax, Helen Wax and Ciara Mercado; great grandchildren, Alice Anderson, Max Anderson, and Eleanor Rubbelke. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lucinda Niesar, parents Max and Helen Niesar and sister, Ruth Ann.

The family would like to thank all his home health caregivers, the VA Hospital Hospice Care team and Ft. Meade, for their kindness and dedication.

Memorial Service will be held October 4 at 1:30 p.m., at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel, 450 N 7th St, Spearfish, South Dakota. Burial will take place following the service at 3:00 pm at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota. Honors will be conducted by Ellsworth Air Force Base. All are welcome to join in fellowship and memory of Max Niesar at the Snapper’s Club, in the Spearfish City Campground following the burial. Memorial donations in Max Niesar’s memory may be given to the Ft. Meade Veterans Hospital. Online condolences may be shared at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com.

Published by The Minot Daily News, September 26, 2024.