Max B. Kokenge, 88, of Seneca died on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at the Sabetha Community Hospital.

Max Bernard was born November 9, 1929 on a farm east of Baileyville to John and Anna (Deters) Kokenge. He grew up in the Baileyville and Seneca communities. He attended Woodenshoe Country School and Seneca Public High School. Max was inducted into the U.S. Army on April 26, 1951 and assigned with C Battery of the 65th AAA Gun Batallion during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged April of 1953.

Max married Shirley Marie McGeeney on October 6, 1956 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Axtell. They made their home in Axtell before moving to Seneca in 1963. The couple celebrated 43 years of marriage before Shirley’s death on October 20, 1999.

Max was a partner in Lierz Men & Boy’s Wear in Seneca until 1982. From 1983-1996 he and his daughter, Ronda, owned and operated Kokenge Apparel.

Max was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, St. Joseph Society, the Seneca Knights of Columbus Council 1769, Ponce De Leon 4th Degree, Earle W. Taylor Post #21, and a past member the Seneca Chamber of Commerce.

Max enjoyed life and being outdoors-fishing, hunting, boating, camping, watching wildlife and bow hunting deer. He enjoyed the thrill of a motorcycle ride and could not pass up a sweet dessert. He found solace in woodworking and whittling. As with all proud grandpas he enjoyed watching his grandkids events and them growing up.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Randy; his brothers, Francis, Leander, Bob, John; and a sister, Joan Parks.

He is survived by his daughters Margaret (Bruce) Schulte, Ronda (Trevor) Swanson of Olathe and Amy (Dave) Curotto of Olathe and a daughter-in-law Lori Kokenge of Topeka; a sister Mary Kramer, 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A Rosary will be prayed on Thursday, June 14th at 7 PM at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. A second Rosary will be prayed at 10 AM at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church on Friday, June 15, 2018; with the Mass of Christian Burial following at 10:30 AM at Sts. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church. Burial in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be left in Max’s memory to Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and/or School.

Lauer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .