Max Ganser

   Max Martin Ganser, age 89, of McKinney, TX, formerly of West Fargo, North Dakota, passed away on Saturday, September 9th, 2023, at the age of 89, at Alexis Estates in Allen, TX.

   Max was born the eldest of three children, July 14th, 1934 in Mandan, North Dakota, the son of Matthew and Racheal (Harmon) Ganser.  Max grew up on the family farm outside of Medora.  Max graduated from Sentinel Butte High School and was drafted into the US Army in 1958.  After completion of bootcamp at Fort Dix, New Jersey and two years of active service, he was honorably discharged in 1960.  He returned to North Dakota where he worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad in various positions until retiring after 40 years as a Roadmaster in Fargo, North Dakota.

   He married JoAnne Heiden in December of 1972 in LaMoure, North Dakota.  Max led a very active life.  He raised 6 step-sons and one biological son.  Max lost his wife, JoAnne, of 50 years in May of 2021. 

   After retiring from the railroad in 1995, Max and JoAnne moved to McAllen, Texas where they both served tirelessly at the American Legion running the kitchen, preparing meals, and running the snack bar and cooking for conventions for 22 years.  Max also was an avid member of the Texas Gardening Association where he completed 10,000 plus hours volunteering as an educator to kids and adults in the Rio Grande Valley on anything related to plants and flowers and trees.  He was active working at various hospices installing sidewalks, fountains, trees and shrubs.  He also was very active in the American Legion as an officer and served in various posts with the Legion. 

   Max had a deep passion for watching Westerns, NFL Football, NASCAR, and of course the WWF.  His fascination for learning never stopped.  His passion for working outside slowed as he reached his mid-80s, but he replaced it with home computers and his dogs. 

   Although quiet and unassuming, he was very alert to the world around him.  He enjoyed American Politics and US History and Country Music.  His later years were filled with reminiscing about the good old days and how the world around him was changing so quickly.  He loved to cook, eat and finish his day with ice cream.  He mastered using his iPhone and Facetime and emailing. 

   Max was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnne.

   Max is survived by his sister: Wealthy Slattery; brother: Milan (Olivia) Ganser as well as nieces and nephews.  Max is survived by his seven sons: Armond Myrick of West Fargo; Dennis (Jan) Heiden of Pinetop, AZ; Ronald Heiden of Barnesville, MN; Marty (Jennifer) Heiden of McKinney, Texas; Daryl (Diane) Heiden of West Fargo, ND; Milo (Shelley) Heiden of West Fargo, ND and Marc Ganser of Ingleside, TX; 18 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

   Funeral: Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 6 p.m., in West Funeral Home, West Fargo, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

   Burial: Rosehill Cemetery, LaMoure, North Dakota.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

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