Max Henry Schoenfeld's Obituary
Max Henry Schoenfeld
April 15, 1923-January 4, 2015
Max passed away peacefully on Sunday January 4th, 2015 surrounded by his loving family at the age of 91. Max was born in Hogyesz, Hungary to Max and Anna (Ulrich) Schoenfeld. He spent his young adult years working as a skilled stone mason in Hungary where he met his future wife Anna Karli. Anna and Max were blessed with three children-Hajnalka, Tibor and Zoltan.
In 1959, Max immigrated to the United States from Austria after escaping the Hungarian Communists during the Revolt of 1956. He was successfully reunited with his family on December 4, 1962 after a long legal process with the U.S. State Department. Although Max and Anna divorced in 1964, they remained close until her death in 2002. He was forever grateful of Anna’s caring of their children while she remained in Hungary waiting to be reunited with Max.
Max worked as a machinist for Golden Grain in San Leandro until his retirement in 1988.
Shortly after his retirement, Max and his son, Tibor were able to return to Hungary. They enjoyed traveling throughout the country reconnecting with childhood family and friends.
Max was a devoted grandfather, frequently taking his grandchildren for daytime outings to parks and movies, and even browsing car lots during which he would give the kids tips on how to negotiate the best deals. Max cherished the spent time with them.
In 1993, Max married Adelheid (Heidi) Grabisch, a long-time friend and dance partner he met during his years of ballroom dancing at venues throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, such as the Ali Baba in his early years and the Lake Merritt Senior Center in his later years. Max and Heidi remained together until her death in Nov. 1999.
Max’s final years were spent at Penny’s Care Home in Concord where his caregivers gave very generously of their time and hearts to assist with Max’s care and enhance his quality of life.
Max, known to his children as Apu, is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Hajnalka and
Bill Collins of Castro Valley, son and daughter-in-law, Tibor and Cathy Schoenfeld of Aptos, son and daughter-in-law Zoltan and Cathy Schoenfeld of Half Moon Bay, grandchildren
Michelle Schoenfeld, Sharon Knuth, James Collins, Jennifer Miller and Julia Malvick and great grandchildren Mercedes Schoenfeld, Lucas Collins, Iris Collins, Cole Miller, and Zoey Miller.
Max’s indomitable spirit and caring nature will be greatly missed by his family.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Friday February 20th, 1 P.M. at the Chapel of the Chimes Funeral Home, 4499 Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, California. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice.
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