Max Sudweeks

Dr. Max Sudweeks

Layton, Utah

Dr. Earl Max Sudweeks, 82, passed away August 27, 2016 in Layton. He was born on December 27, 1933 in Richfield, Utah to Alton and Olive Sudweeks. He was raised in the farming community of Kingston, Utah. Max was a caring older brother to Lewis (deceased), Jetta (deceased), Moneice and Evan. He loved his family and farm life, excelled at school and found learning energizing. Outside of his studies, he was a trumpet player in the school band and active in 4-H, graduating from Piute High School in 1952. The summer after graduation he represented Utah as a delegate to the 4-H National Conference in Washington, DC where he shook hands with President Truman. But his favorite part of that journey was the train ride, which sparked his desire to travel and began his life-long habit of documenting wherever he ventured. He chronicled each year in photographs and wrote daily in a journal for well over a half-century.

Max began Utah State University in 1952, pursuing studies in Animal Science, but took time to serve in the US Army. After his service to our country he served a mission in the West Central States Mission from 1957-1958. Upon returning to Utah State he completed his bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science in 1960. That same year he met his bride, Dorene Collett, and commented, "She was the best thing I earned at college." They were married in the Logan Temple on June 3, 1960. Their family grew to include nine children: Jed, Karen, Ruth, Earlene, Susan, Will, Marie, Nanette and David.

While working and raising a young family, Max graduated with his master’s degree in 1968 from Utah State. His next adventure moved the Sudweeks family to Raleigh, NC for further studies at North Carolina State University. In 1972 he was awarded a Ph.D. in Dairy Science and Animal Nutrition. Dr. Sudweeks and family moved to Griffin, Georgia to begin his career devoted to research and academics. Several years later they moved to Texas where he became a professor at Texas A&M University. He always enjoyed helping others in his community; throughout the years he served as a bishop multiple times and served on the high council. For many years he was Dairy Show superintendent at the Texas State Fair. However the simplicity and fun of an ice cream contest was one of his favorite events to officiate or judge.

For more than 30 years, Dr. Sudweeks made vital contributions which continue to be valued within the dairy industry today. He improved dairy production all over the world, including being invited by several foreign countries to advise on best practices. One of his most memorable journeys was to Communist ruled Prague, Czechoslovakia in 1980. He concluded his career at Texas A&M University in 2002.

Upon retirement, Max and Dorene moved to Kingston. They built a home and worked in the St. George Temple, enjoying the beauty of Southern Utah. A few years later with Max’s diagnosis of Parkinson’s and Dementia, they relocated closer to their children in northern Utah. His final years were lived in Layton among family and friends. Max is loved and missed by many including: Dorene, wife of 56 years, and their nine children and 35 grandchildren; family near and far; and many friends he made from his travels all over the world. His legacy of a carefully cataloged photo collection and decades of personal journals fill in details where his memory failed. They are our reminders to embrace the adventures in life.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2016 at 12:00 Noon in the Circleville 2nd Ward Chapel, where friends may call on Saturday from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Kingston Cemetery with military rites by the V.F.W. Piute Post #7561. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti