Max E Rehling

Max Eugene Rehling, age 77, of Brainerd, passed away, surrounded by his family on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Essentia- St Joseph’s Medical Center. Max was born in Pine Island on July 12, 1947, to Merle & Alberta (Standfield) Rehling. Eventually moving to the Pine Center area where he grew up and graduated from Brainerd High School in 1965.

He met the love of his life, Susie King, they were married on October 22, 1966. He was drafted shortly after into the US Army where he proudly served his country receiving numerous medals including, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman badge, Good Conduct Medal (1st Award), Sharpshooter Badge (Rifle M-16) and Expert Badge (Pistol .45). He was honorably discharged in October of 1968. After returning from the war, He and Susie moved to Brainerd and raised three daughters.

Max retired from Country Hearth after 30 years where he met a lot of great people and to this day some of them still call him the Bread Man.

He was also an avid sports fan. You could always catch him sitting at the bar in Harding watching the Vikings, Twins or any game he could find on the TV. If he wasn’t watching a game he would be making new friends or BSing with all the old ones.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Tammy (Mark) Gangestad, Lisa (Brian) Gangestad and Missy Brattlund; sister, Carol (Dave) Conway; sisters-in-law, Jody (Dick) Pettey, Becky King, Vicky King; brother-in-law, Gordy Pelarski; grandchildren, Chelsey (Jake) DeRosier, Justin (Meghan) Gangestad, Alisha (Kyle) Borders, Chase (Nicole) Brattlund, Brandon Gangestad, Blaike Gangestad and Cole Kleis; 14 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Max is preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife of 35 years, Susie; 3 brothers and 5 sisters.

A gathering to share memories of Max will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 11AM at Halvorson Taylor Life Events Center. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.