Max E. Neidlinger

April 30, 2020

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Max E. Neidlinger, 93, of Frankfort, passed away on April 30, 2020 at Wesley Manor.   He was born May 22, 1926 in Cyclone, Ind. to Russell & Eva (Michael) Neidlinger.  His first marriage was to  Mabel Anson.  He then married Betty (Meneely) VanMeter on December 7, 1959 and she preceded him in death on November 20, 2002.

Max was a 1944 graduate of Frankfort High School and was drafted that year.  A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served in WWII until he was honorably discharged in 1946.  He was awarded the American Campaign Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the WWII Victory Medal. He worked for the railroad and then went to work for Detroit Diesel Allison for 36 years.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Frankfort.  Max was a hard worker and loved horses, westerns, and sports.  He spent many hours after retirement sitting and watching the horses play in the field, watching westerns and reading Louis L’Amour.  He was a St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs fan.  He was a loving son, husband, father and grandfather.

Visitation and Services

Restricted public visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort. Graveside services will be 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 5th at Bunnell Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Indiana Horse Rescue, 916 S. Prairie Ave., Frankfort, IN 46041.

Survived by:

2 Daughters: Billie Jean (Rod Wheeler) Nern of Frankfort, Janet VanMeter of Frankfort, 2 Sons: Jerry (Cathie) Neidlinger of rural Frankfort, James (Rita) Neidlinger of Frankfort, 15 Grandchildren, 19 Great Grandchildren, and 13 Great Great Grandchildren.

Preceded by:

He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Betty, his stepsons, Chuck & Denny and his brother Ted Neidlinger.

Memorial Video

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Condolences

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40 Condolences for “Max E. Neidlinger”

  1. Tammy Stevens May 1, 2020 at 4:21 pm

    I love you Mr. Max. I am so sorry for his passing. Wish I could give ya’ll a great big hug. Hope the big guy is serving up some great bacon four ya.

    Reply
  2. Phil & Betty Trimble May 1, 2020 at 4:52 pm

    I always enjoyed visiting with Max, whether at the elevator, Ralph’s, or on occasion when visiting the manor. He was always the same guy whenever or wherever I seen him. Loved to get caught up on the cubby’s when we visited, and always talked a little horse. I’ll miss this guy along with Paul Nelson. Rest in peace Max. I know you’re in a better place. I always admired the support you children displayed for your father.

    Reply
  3. Deborah Helton May 1, 2020 at 5:57 pm

    I am thankful for the time that I got to spend with Uncle Max. I enjoyed taking mom to see him and seeing his face light up when we walked into the room. I love you Uncle Max.

    Reply
    • Joe and Deb (Stevanus) Helton May 1, 2020 at 5:59 pm

      I will be keeping all of our Indiana family in my thoughts and prayers.

      Reply
  4. Janice Crouch May 1, 2020 at 6:43 pm

    Janet and family,
    My deepest condolences for your loss. May God give you comfort and may you always keep close the memories in you heart. Sending hugs and prayers.
    Janice

    Reply
  5. Dawnna Beard May 1, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Jean,
    Sorry for your loss my friend. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs!!!

    Reply
  6. Peggy Bachman May 1, 2020 at 7:25 pm

    I am so sorry to “Daddy’s” family. He was a very special man and I loved calling him Daddy when he came in. Prayers to you all.

    Reply
  7. Norma Miller May 1, 2020 at 7:31 pm

    I was a classmate of Janet’s at Clinton Prarie. I am sorry to learn of her loss.

    Reply
  8. Marty Bailey May 1, 2020 at 8:27 pm

    Sorry to hear this.

    Reply
  9. fred heavilon May 1, 2020 at 8:54 pm

    My sympathy and thoughts are with all the Neidlinger family.

    Reply
  10. Sharli Ball May 1, 2020 at 9:32 pm

    My deepest condolences to the family. Max was a sweetheart.

    Reply
  11. Trisha (CNA) May 1, 2020 at 9:34 pm

    To Max’s family – I’m so sorry that you all must say goodbye to your dear Max. He was the sweetest and most endearing man, and I thank you all for allowing me the privilege of caring for him. Mornings just won’t be the same without some Old Spice and bacon. My heart hurts for all of you. Bless you, and sending many prayers your way.

    Reply
  12. Jason Turner May 1, 2020 at 9:50 pm

    Rest In Peace Max, thank you for all that you ever done for me! I had very little time to know you but I am very grateful for the time I got to spend with you. You will be missed by many!

    Reply
  13. Marilyn Bowen May 1, 2020 at 10:01 pm

    With my sympathy, love and prayers, to all the family. Knowing what a special guy he was to all of the kids and grandkids and on down the line.

    Reply
  14. Erilda Coleman May 2, 2020 at 5:24 am

    Dear Janet & Family,
    So sorry to hear of your Father’s passing. Know you will miss him. Sending prayers for comfort and peace. God Bless – Ron & Erilda

    Reply
  15. Erin Day May 2, 2020 at 8:43 am

    My condolences! Your dad was my favorite! Hugs to you all.

    Reply
  16. Faye Norwood May 2, 2020 at 8:46 am

    So sorry for your loss. Mr. Max was one of the sweetest fellas I’ve had the honor of taking care of. He loved his bacon. Sending prayers.

    Reply
  17. Peg Smith May 2, 2020 at 8:51 am

    Max was such a nice man. I am grateful to have known him. I know the family is heartbroken and I hope you find comfort in your memories of all the good times with Max. Know that the entire Smith family will be with you in spirit next Tuesday.

    Reply
  18. Karon R McColley May 2, 2020 at 9:33 am

    Janet, Jerry, Jim, & families,
    So sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  19. Yvonne Giancola May 2, 2020 at 9:46 am

    Rita & Jim, I’m so very sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts & prayers.

    Reply
  20. Jan McGill May 2, 2020 at 10:58 am

    Dear Jean and family – I will hold you in my thoughts and prayers and wish you brighter days ahead.

    Thinking of you – Jan McGill

    Reply
  21. Theresa Worley May 2, 2020 at 11:22 am

    Prayers and blessings for you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  22. Tom and Phyllis Hoyer May 2, 2020 at 11:27 am

    We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family (Jim).

    Reply
  23. Ben Stillwell May 2, 2020 at 7:22 pm

    Beth and I are sending you our love filled prayers at this time of loss. God bless and keep each and every one of you all.

    Reply
  24. Rosemary May 2, 2020 at 8:09 pm

    Such a sweet man! I always enjoyed talking to Max at Wesley Manor. He always smiled and shared stories with my Mother and me. He will be missed!

    Reply
  25. Dr. and Mrs. Donald L. Batz May 3, 2020 at 3:54 pm

    Jim, Obviously your Father lived a life that is so admired. A life of service and a life of loyalty to God and country. Even in your sorrow, your family can be proud of the legacy that he has left you. God bless.

    Reply
  26. Patty Nash May 3, 2020 at 7:48 pm

    My houghts and prayers are with you as you rejoice in his full life and grieve his passing. God bless you.

    Reply
  27. Susan & Terry Heavilon May 3, 2020 at 8:17 pm

    Sending special thoughts to Rita & Jim and keeping the entire family in our hearts.

    Reply
  28. Rob Davison May 3, 2020 at 8:35 pm

    Shonna and I are very sorry for your loss. Thinking about you all.

    Reply
  29. Terry (Hill) Adams May 3, 2020 at 8:35 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.

    Reply
  30. John and Rita Hackerd May 3, 2020 at 9:38 pm

    We are very sorry for your loss and send our condolences.

    Reply
  31. Don and Kathy Blanch May 4, 2020 at 9:35 am

    Jim and family… we are so sorry to learn of the passing of your dear father. Keeping you close in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.

    Reply
  32. Becky (Ray) Stahl May 4, 2020 at 11:12 am

    Jim, Adam, Rita and all, please accept my sincere condolences for the passing of your father/grandfather! Much love sent, love you three very much and am saddened by this loss for you all!!

    Reply
  33. Ashley Weaver May 4, 2020 at 2:27 pm

    Jeremy and Family,
    Our thoughts and prayers are you during this difficult time. We love you all.

    Reply
  34. Mike and Patty Deford May 4, 2020 at 7:33 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Reply
  35. Tom and Marcia Dickerson May 5, 2020 at 9:01 am

    Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your dad!

    Reply
  36. Carol Morehouse Sternrn May 5, 2020 at 11:23 am

    May the memories and love of your Father give your family peace at this time and always. I am so sorry for your loss.

    Sincerely,
    Carol Morehouse Stern

    Reply
  37. Elaine Stevanus May 5, 2020 at 12:17 pm

    I am thinking of all of my family today. I will always cherish the memories with my Indiana family. I am thankful for the time we got spend together Uncle Max. I wish I could be there with the family today and I love you all. I will see you again in Heaven Uncle Max. I love you so much.

    Reply
  38. Dianne Fincher May 5, 2020 at 9:16 pm

    So sorry to hear of Max’s passing. I’ll keep you all in my prayers.

    Reply
  39. Michal Haney May 6, 2020 at 7:30 pm

    Sorry for your loss. I wish I could be there with you. Know that I am thinking of you and your dad. Love you.

    Reply

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