MIDDLETON - On Wednesday afternoon, May 17, 2023, exactly one month after being diagnosed with B-Cell ALL Leukemia, Max Robert Roeker passed away in the loving arms of his parents, Andy and Laura Roeker.

On July 5, 2020, Max Robert Roeker was born. As a baby, Max was as bald as bald could be. He had stunning blue eyes and a million-dollar smile that every single person who met him commented on. He was the happiest and most content baby, and he was adored from day one.

As Max grew, so did his love of family. He adored his frequent visits with Grandma and Papa (Rick and Carol Van Egeren) and Yaya and Mimi (Kurt and Kris Roeker). His eyes lit up when he saw his grandparents, and his bond with each one of them was unique and special in its own wonderful way. He loved going to visit his cousins (Mia, Ben, Avery, Kate, Will, Erin, James, Ellie, Nora) and rough-housing with his many aunts and uncles (Joe and Kelly Bloodgood, Matt and Colleen Van Egeren, Katie and Brian Thibaudeau, TJ and Ali Roeker). It didn’t matter the occasion-when Max found out he was going to see family, he would clap his little hands together and shout, “Let’s go!”

And then there were his sisters. To say that Max loved his sisters is a vast understatement. His world revolved around his big sister, Harper; whatever she did, Max wanted to do. He was her perpetual shadow and did not care what he was doing as long as it was with Harper. And then came baby sister, Tess. Max adored the title of “big brother” and begged to hold Tess as often as he could. He was protective and affectionate, the perfect combination for a big brother.

Max radiated joy. From the moment he woke up in the morning, he had a grin on his face and was ready to take on the day. He ran everywhere, as if wherever he was headed was the most important place in the world. He loved family movie nights and popsicle walks around the neighborhood. He cherished his teachers and loved to share what he had learned at school each day. He was so smart and loved to learn new things, and he had the ability to express himself early on. He loved any opportunity he had to be outside, whether to play in the sand or in the snow, swing golf clubs, or help Dad grill. He loved having dance parties in the kitchen and singing songs as a family. He loved trips up north, especially swimming, boat rides, campfires with cousins, and tractor rides. He loved snuggling up and reading books while sucking his thumb. He took the everyday things in life and turned them into wonderful, magical moments that we will cherish for a lifetime.

A private funeral for family will be held to honor Max’s life. In lieu of flowers or gifts, a foundation, Max Joy (http://maxjoy.us - link below under 'Memorial Contributions'), is being established in Max’s honor. Max brought joy to all who knew him; his life will be honored by continuing to spread that joy to others. At its core, Max Joy will spread love and happiness, just as Max innately did-the recipients will feel the same joy he shared when he batted his big, blue eyes and flashed his perfect little smile.

There are no words to adequately express how much Max will be missed.

Until we meet again, our sweet, darling boy-we love you so very much!

Gunderson West

Funeral and Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761

Max Robert Roeker

July 05, 2020 - May 17, 2023

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