Dr. Max T. Rodibaugh, 69, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his beloved wife and children at his home in Frankfort, IN on Thursday, May 19, 2022.
Max, the second of seven children, was born September 11, 1952 to John A. “Jack” and Emily Rodibaugh in Rensselaer, IN. He grew up on a pig farm that provided the foundation for his passion for swine veterinary medicine, taught him the value of hard work, and fostered countless opportunities for learning but also ornery antics from time to time. Max greatly admired his parents who provided him with a loving example and taught him how to treat others well and serve his community. Growing up, he was known as a fast long-distance runner, rising leader in his 4-H and FFA activities, and a bright thinker with an even brighter personality.
Max graduated from Rensselaer High School in 1970, earned his degree in General Agriculture in 1974 from Purdue University, then his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Purdue in 1977. He was top of his class for each. At Purdue, he was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, part of the Livestock Judging team, and served as the Indiana FFA State President his freshman year.
A spring day in 1974 turned out to be Max’s luckiest ever when Carol Schreiber, by the grace of God, said yes when he asked, “Do you want to go get a donut or not?” From those humble pastry beginnings to their marriage on June 4, 1977 and the nearly 45 years following, theirs was a truly amazing partnership exuding love and teamwork.
Carol was instrumental in Max’s professional career and growth, serving as his first office assistant (working for free!) when he started one of the nation’s first swine-only veterinary practices in 1980 based in a former fast-food restaurant in Frankfort, IN. The practice grew to serve clients across the country and internationally, and today it continues to operate as AMVC Swine Health Services in a newly renovated office (an old bowling alley this time!) in Frankfort.
Thanks to a steadfast commitment to professionalism, veterinary ethics, and prioritizing the client’s best interests, Max gained a reputation as an expert in the field of swine medicine and trusted advisor to peers and pork producers everywhere. He was a sought-after speaker, mentor, and leader in numerous industry organizations. Once, he even received a phone call from former IU basketball coach Bobby Knight seeking counsel for a pork producer friend of his – quite the surprise for a die-hard Boilermaker fan, and a favorite anecdote for years thereafter!
Max’s dedication to the profession he loved resulted in many industry awards, culminating most recently with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) Heritage Award, a peer-nominated award for lifelong outstanding achievements in swine medicine. He is only the sixth recipient of the award in the history of the organization.
Max gave back generously to his community. As a decades-long member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Frankfort, he faithfully participated on several committees and the church’s leadership council. He also served the broader Clinton County community through the United Way Board of Directors and as Board President.
Aside from his professional and community service, Max was known as a fun-loving, positive, always-smiling, present force in the lives of his three children and seven grandchildren. “Pops” delighted his grandkids by providing plenty of good-natured teasing, tickling and silly faces. He was very proud to introduce ice cream and other sweet treats to his grandchildren at lower minimum ages than their parents anticipated! He taught each of his children and grandchildren to never stop learning and live each day to the fullest. One of his favorite questions often used to quiz his grandkids was “Do you know beans from apple butter?!”
Thank you to all family, friends, colleagues, clients, and medical staff who provided countless acts of kindness, caring and support to Max and his family especially the past couple years.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to United Way of Clinton County, PO Box 871 Frankfort, IN 46041, The Max and Carol Rodibaugh Family Veterinary Scholarship, 403 W Wood St, West Lafayette, IN 47907 or online at connect.purdue.edu/imomaxrodibaugh, and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2029 State Rd 39, Frankfort, IN 46041
This service will be live-streamed at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 27, 2022. Please click the link below to participate:
https://webcasts.lifetributes.com/1211918
Visitation and Services
Visitation will be held Thursday, May 26, 2022 from 2-8 pm EDT at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2029 State Rd 39, Frankfort, IN 46041. A memorial service will take place Friday, May 27, 2022 at 10:30 am EDT at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S Main St, Frankfort, IN 46041 and will also be available via Livestream, a link will be available on goodwinfuneralhome.com. Private family burial will be held at Bunnell Cemetery, Frankfort, IN.
Survived by:
wife, Carol and children Paul (Natalie) of Bloomington, IN, Todd (Lynn) of Carmel, IN and Leslie (Daniel) Stauffer of Wabash, IN. Also surviving are his mother, Emily, brothers David (Danita), Jim (Teri), John (Debbie), Steven (Shannon) and sisters Betsy (Kerry) Keffaber and Peggy (Rick) Goodman.
Preceded by:
his father Jack.
To Carol and family we are so sorry to hear this and we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers – his achievements were outstanding as was his life!
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Facebook Twitter GoogleMegan and family,
So sorry to hear of your Uncles’ passing, our sincere condolences go out to you….
Gancie and Ron Kearns
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Facebook Twitter GoogleSincere sympathy to the Rodibaugh family. As one who babysat the Rodibaugh children and was part of the Barkley community, I was privileged to know Max as a child. I will keep you all in my prayers .
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Facebook Twitter GoogleCarol, I am so sorry to see this post. Max was such a wonderful, Godly man! So hard for his loved ones he leaves behind, but can you imagine him right now? Its a wonderful eternal life for him now! Sending my love to you and your family.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleSuch an admirable man. He will be missed by many. Carol and family and friends are all in my prayers.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleSorry to hear of Max’s passing. I worked with Max before I retired from PIC I have a great amount of respect for Max. So pleasant to work with. So very knowledgeable in the swine field. He will be missed!! Thoughts and prayers with the entire family
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Facebook Twitter GoogleWe are just in shock. So sorry to hear this. Praying for you all.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleCarol, Paul, Todd, Leslie, Emily, David, Jim, John, Steven, Betsy, Peggy,
My heart truly aches for the earthly loss of an outstanding man named Max. He was a refreshingly genuine man, a light to so many people, a beacon of God’s love for His children here. I can only imagine the awe in Max’s eyes, as first he beheld the living hand of Jesus as He reached for Max’s~ in order to take him to Paradise. The glories then he saw, felt, and knew. Perhaps this was the first time Max stood speechless….
I felt in my heart that my brother in Christ had passed… and I anxiously checked back on The Caring Bridge several times daily. My Psalm 121 felt empty when I had prayed it ~ just as it had for my best friend last month.
Thank you for the time you and Carol took to keep those, like me, who live far away, updated on the one in a million Max, on The Caring Bridge site.
Earth has lost a powerful example of a truly honest, and man of integrity, knowledge, skill, and humor.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleWow! No more honorable, helpful, humble soul have I ever met in life, personal or professional! One of the highlights of my dads life as a Chester Breeder was to stop at a Rodibaugh Purebred Auction on the way to a cousins wedding in Peru, IN just to experience it! I was maybe 7. Then to be able to get help from Max on projects and be able to call even very recently for help, truly a selfless individual dedicated to helping with his awesome god given gifts! Prayers be with the family!
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Facebook Twitter GoogleDear Carol and family. So sorry about Max. I remember him as a young guy when we lived near the Rodibaugh family. Always a wonderful young man. Prayers for all the family. Much love, Sue Houston-Cambensy
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Facebook Twitter GoogleSo sorry for your loss, I always remember showing pigs against the family.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleMy dear dear Carol,
I am holding you in my heart, as tears well up in my eyes and memories of your amazing husband and partner for life fill my mind. I just happened to get this notice as I was on my computer this afternoon; I have been not been checking in too regularly as gardening has been taking precedence. How trite. I do know that Max’s love and influence spread to hundreds and hundreds of family, friends, and even those who did not know him well. He is just one of those amazing guys who lives on in our hearts because of his passion for everything he did and for all those he loved.
Mary Ann
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Facebook Twitter GoogleCarol, Paul, Todd, and Leslie and families,
I am so sorry for your loss. Max was a great guy. You’ve been on my prayer list ever since Phil Keck put him on our list at Grace Lutheran.
God bless you all.
Linda Bowlin
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Facebook Twitter GoogleMax was a great friend and colleague. My prayers go out to the family. He will be missed.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleJim, Dave, Danita and rest of Rodibaugh family,
I was so sorry to hear of Max’s passing. Know that I am thinking of you all in this sad, sad time. I will say a prayer for all of you.
Love, Leslie Greene Williams
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Facebook Twitter GoogleSo sorry to hear about Max passing. Went to school with him at RCHS. He will be missed.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleCarol and family – Please accept my deep sympathy on Max’s passing. The Rodibaugh’s were our neighbors growing up so we went to school, church, 4-H meetings, rode the bus and had many impromptu softball games in our yard together. He was always smiling even back then! I am so sad to hear that he’s gone but he has left such a great legacy and will always be remembered.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleAll of you have my deepest sympathy with your great loss. My prayers are with you.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleCondolences to the Rodibaugh family! Clinton County lost a very nice man.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleI am so sorry for your loss. Max was a very special person and was loved by all. He will be missed. Prayers to the family.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleI am so sorry to hear about Dr. Max. As I worked with him at Schenck Farms and Pohlman hog farms! I have the most respect for Max and he taught me so much and was a great friend. Prayers for entire family.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleI am so shocked about Dr. Max. My condolences to you, Carol, and your family. Todd and I were very happy to have you and Max in Frankfort! Always Boilermakers! When Todd passed away you were there to support our family.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleMy heartfelt condolences to Carol and the entire Rodibaugh family.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleCarol and family, I am so sad to hear of Max’s passing. He was always a joy to do business with during my years at Farm Bureau Insurance. Clients like Max are what made it so bittersweet for me to make the decision to retire 2 years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Marilea Cearlock
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Facebook Twitter GoogleAs a high school classmate, I remember his smile, his kindness and his academic mind. This beautiful video gave me a glimpse into his love of family. Prayers of comfort for his family and friends.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleHi Paul,
I am truly sorry to hear for your loss. I cannot even begin to understand what you and your family going through right now, but I would like to offer my prayers and condolences.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleBeautiful video. So much love!
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Facebook Twitter GoogleMax will be greatly missed but always remembered. My sincere condolences to his family and the communities he served.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleWhat a great loss! Beautiful tribute. My deepest sympathy.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleMy heart is with you Carol and your family. Max’s big bright smile is forever remembered.
~ Jane Harper Eckel
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Facebook Twitter GooglePrayers to your family. Max was such a good guy…he will be missed!
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Facebook Twitter GooglePrayers and Condolences to the Family of Dr. Max. I had the honor of knowing him since 1981 and he always wore a smile and had a positive comment every time I would see him. Max truly made this a brighter world. Sincerely, Joe Strittmatter
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Facebook Twitter GoogleMy deepest regrets about your loss. Max will not be forgotten but always remembered by those who came in contact with him. He was a true gentleman and admired for his devotion to his family, profession and god. I have lots of fond memories of the time we spend together and the conversations we had. May God Bless. Larry Gottschalk
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Facebook Twitter GoogleDear Danita, Dave and families…
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy in the painful and untimely loss of your beloved brother, brother in-law, and great humanitarian. May you all continue to find comfort and hope from our thoughts, prayers and reassurances that so many others care and remember you in your loss and grief. Although words from friends can’t take away the sadness you have in your heart or ease the loneliness that comes when loved ones have parted. Our trust is that you will find that inner strength to carry on as a tribute, to “Dr. Max’s” great memories with each of you. Og Mandino, the famous author wrote, “So each of us in our own way, endures our loss, but cherishes the memories. Just as it should be.”
However, when one’s heart is frozen in shock from the loss of a loved one; its family and friends who share their expressions of compassion and friendship which help to sustain us and soften the painful grieving process. We deeply regret seeing you lose such a precious loved one. We mourn the loss for you and continue to celebrate life in his memory… Nonetheless, our thoughts and our prayers are with you. We hope our message will continue to bring you some measure of comfort. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal”. May peace replace your heartache and bountiful warm memories remain.
In closing, “The nicest place to be is in someone’s thoughts. The safest place to be is in someone’s prayers. And the best place to be is in God’s hands.”
With kindest regards…God Bless…
Cay and Norm
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Facebook Twitter GoogleCarol and family,
So sorry to hear of Max’s passing. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kevin and Carol Hamilton
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Facebook Twitter GoogleWhat a lovely video! I enjoyed viewing all the pictures of Max smiling and being with his family. We will all miss him.
Love, Cousin Susan C
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Facebook Twitter GoogleAs a friend of Peggy Goodman, please accept our sincere condolences to the entire family & friends of the community. He certainly sounds like a fine person. May you all have cherished memories.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleThank you , Susan.
Max was a wonderful big brother !!
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Facebook Twitter GoogleRodibaugh Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Rodibaugh. He was great veterinarian and an even better man. Dr. Rodibaugh had a huge influence on my career path in hog production and I have many good memories of our interactions.
I wish you the best and will be praying for the entire family!
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Facebook Twitter GooglePlease accept my sympathy in your loss of Max. I knew him “back in the day” when we both worked for Dr. Coltrain at the Thorntown Clinic. Always enjoyed his sunny disposition there and whenever I would see him at meetings. He was special.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleOur thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Dr. Rodibaugh was a wonderful vet and supporter of the swine industry, but an even greater person. You have our deepest sympathy.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleMy prayers to your family. I remember Max as a student and enjoyed talking to him at the Purdue Fall Conference.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleMax was a classmate from veterinary school and a friend. Even then, he was a leader and I knew he had a great future ahead of him. He will be missed by the veterinary profession, but especially his family. May God’s blessings extend to all.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleHi Paul,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad passing. Losing a parent is one of the difficult events that we face in our lifetime. Hope you find strength to deal with this challenge. You and your family will be in my thoughts. I read the memorial of your dad, a great man with a lovely wife, great kids and grandchildren. He had a good life and that is honored by his family.
You take care !!! HUGS
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Facebook Twitter GoogleMax was a great vet and a better person. I am so glad I got to know him over the last 10 years. He is one of the good ones and will be sorely missed. My condolences to Carol and the entire family. May God give you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleHi Paul,
I am really sorry to hear about your dad passing. My thoughts and prayers with you and your family, may God give you the strength during this difficult time. Take care.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleTo the Rodibaugh family:
Very, very sorry to hear of Max’s passing. I knew Max through my involvement in the pork industry and veterinary medicine communities. He was an outstanding person as well as a leader and role model in swine veterinary medicine. He had the most gracious demeanor and always had time to listen to others. My sincere condolences.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleThe ADDL at Purdue University sends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and clients of Dr. Rodibaugh.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleWhat a beautiful memorial video ~ I shall watch it again, tonight, as I rest for the night, and give once again Thanks to God for the incredible life of a man named Max. And I shall end by the reading, of my favorite Psalm 121, inserting Carol’s name in each verse, as I had done for Max, so many nights. God’s Peace be with you Carol.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleI watched the live stream of Max’s memorial service, sipping my McDonalds coffee, parked at the rear of a strip mall, next to about 1/3 acre of green grass, with a chain link fence to one side. There is an apparent creek at the bottom behind a wall of trees and shrub along the fence. Many visitors came during that hour plus to honor Max and his love for All Creatures Great and Small: a groundhog, a raccoon- who visited thrice, and gladly found the apple I left him after his first visit, a mated pair of Canada geese ~waddling alongside a lone, half grown gosling, several cardinals, sparrows, blackbirds, many robins, and a soaring red tailed hawk, two bachelor mallards. Most all drank from a shallow puddle: a muddy and pebble bottomed place to rest and drink. The gosling, worked its way under the fence, much to the consternation of its parents, who stood, agitatedly, on the other side… shifting their weight from one foot to the next, obviously concerned for the little ones safety. White puffy clouds slowly changed their shapes, in front of a deep azure sky, and played peek a boo with the sun, and on occasion, dropped spotty raindrops on their way.
Who would have expected the multitude of life in this small space? I was blessed by the words of the family and pastor, and by the wildlife.
For the love of Max, who now can rest his hand on a lion…. in the presence of the Lion of Judah.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleMy sincere condolences to Max’s family and his brothers and sisters.
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