TRAVERSE CITY — Maxbauer is a name Traverse City will remember.
It's a name emblazoned on several area businesses, including the one founded by John Maxbauer, whose life was celebrated by his family and friends this week.
Maxbauer, a longtime local businessman and a Traverse city native, will be remembered as a good boss, a community volunteer and a devout Catholic. He died on Saturday at age 90.
Maxbauer graduated from St. Francis High School in 1938 and went on to Michigan State University. He served in the military during World War II as an instructor and as an aircraft electrician in the Philippines.
He returned to Traverse City and with his brother launched Maxbauer Hardware on West Front Street. A couple years later the business became an Ace Hardware but maintained its founding roots in the name Maxbauer Ace Hardware, said Shawn O'Brien, the store's operations manager.
"He was a great guy. He was great at teaching people. He taught me about the hardware trade," O'Brien said. "He had a great sense of humor. He was a great guy to work for. He will be missed very much."
O'Brien began working at the store when he still attended high school. O'Brien remembers Maxbauer being an involved business owner who took good care of his employees.
The business continued to grow and today has three locations with 63 employees, and is owned by two of Maxbauer's children.
Maxbauer was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and volunteered with the Father Fred Foundation.
Maxbauer's wife, Marge, preceded him in death, and he is survived by six children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Contributions in Maxbauer's memory may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the Father Fred Foundation or Habitat for Humanity.
Region
Related Photos
-
Maxbauer
Friends, family remember Maxbauer
-
-
Housing project 'moving forward'
Traverse City commissioners recently approved what officials expect to be the last change in long-running negotiations to sell city property near the former railroad depot off Eighth Street to two affordable housing agencies.
Continued ... -
Septic tank tax appears inevitable
A $30 to $40 yearly tax assessment on properties with septic tanks in Grand Traverse County and Leelanau's Elmwood Township appears inevitable.
Continued ... -
DEQ seeks public input on Brown Bridge Dam removal
The state Department of Environmental Quality seeks public comment on Traverse City's request for a permit to remove Brown Bridge Dam and restore three miles of Boardman River channel.
Continued ... -
Man charged in Crystal Lake incident
A downstate man who attempted to evade authorities by jumping into Crystal Lake spent his Memorial Day weekend in jail.
Continued ... -
Traverse City to expand TC Saves energy program
The city is expanding a program designed to help residents save on their energy bills.
Continued ... -
Elk Lake boat launch closed for repairs
The Elk Lake boat launch located three miles south of Kewadin is temporarily closed for repairs.
Continued ... -
Suspect arrested in parking meter thefts
Police arrested a man they said stole parking meters in Traverse City.
Continued ... -
TC Central, West on another 'best' list
Two Traverse City high schools made another national list of the best in the country.
Continued ... -
Traverse City man faces theft charge
A Traverse City man faces a criminal charge after police believe he stole cash and other items from a friend's parents.
Continued ... -
Detroit chamber wants help for new campaign
The Detroit Regional Chamber is asking private companies to contribute $2 million a year for a new campaign to promote economic development in southeastern Michigan.
Continued ... - Tuesday, May 29, 2012
-
Video: 'Taps' at Memorial Day service at Oakwood Cemetery
An excerpt of horn player Don Sattler and drummer David Sattler performing "Taps" at the conclusion of the Memorial Day service at Traverse City's Oakwood Cemetery on Monday, May. 28, 2012.
Continued ... -
Memorial Day: Traverse City honors heroes
A Memorial Day ceremony included a recitation of the Gettysburg Address, a rifle salute, the playing of "Taps" and a speech from Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners Chairman Larry Inman.
Continued ... -
Get to work without using your car
- Monday, May 28, 2012
-
City to discontinue spring cleanup
City crews will stop collecting residents' clutter each spring.
Continued ... -
Terry Wooten: WWII soldier's story told in poems
Jack Miller, a survivor of the Bataan Death March and a POW during World War II, won't be in any Memorial Day parades today.
Continued ... -
Remembering the fallen veterans
Below is a list of military veterans from the region who died during the past year (May 28, 2011, through May 25, 2012).
Continued ... -
Memorial Day events
A roundup of Memorial Day-related events in northern Michigan:
Continued ... - Sunday, May 27, 2012
-
Travel season begins
Tourism analysts at Michigan State University project a 3 percent increase in Michigan travel volume this year.
Continued ... -
Restored cemetery to be honored on Memorial Day
The "Old Ones" buried in the once-overgrown and abandoned Onominese Indian Cemetery near Northport will be honored in a Memorial Day service and traditional re-dedication ceremony.
Continued ... - 2012 Memorial Day weekend event listing
-
Underwater archaeology school returns to NMC
People from around the world will dive deep into the study of underwater archaeology next month at Northwestern Michigan College.
Continued ... -
Change may be on the way for kindergarten cutoff date
State lawmakers are considering moving up the cutoff date for kindergarten to level the academic playing field for new students, but school officials in Traverse City said it's more important to focus on universal preschool.
Continued ... -
Paving under way on 6.5-mile stretch of Leelanau Trail
Cyclists soon find a much smoother ride from Traverse City to Suttons Bay.
Continued ... - Saturday, May 26, 2012
-
July 4 to sparkle for years to come
Local supporters saved the threatened patriotic pyrotechnics last year. Now, the group launched the nonprofit Traverse City Boom Boom Club to plan and pay for an annual Independence Day show.
Continued ... -
GT Road Commission won't renew Gillis' contract
Mary Gillis' bosses refused to renew her contract, so the Grand Traverse County Road Commission's manager has to figure out her next move.
Continued ...
-
