Max J Rivera

Max Jose Rivera, 78, of Kingsford, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala on Sept. 26, 1937, the son of the late Jose Robinson Rivera Porres and Fernanda Calderon Maldonado. Max married Clara Francisca Perez Alvarado on Feb. 14, 1959 in Guatemala City. In 1972, Max immigrated to Chicago where he worked as an auto mechanic. He then moved to Kingsford, where he worked as an industrial mechanic at Grede Foundry. Max was a hard and efficient worker, very handy and was a genius when it came to fixing things. He was a modern day Renaissance man. Max was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was very dedicated to his family and taught by example. He had many passions especially serving the Lord through song. In addition to his faith and love for the Lord, he enjoyed God’s creation through gardening and capturing nature through photography. Max is survived by his beloved wife Clara, six children Elizabeth (Eduardo) Rios of Chicago, Fernanda (Brent) Freeman of Kingsford, Claudia Rivera of Chicago, Max Rivera of Chicago, Jose (April) Rivera of Iron Mountain, and Karla (Marvin) Niemi of Negaunee, two brothers Juan Rivera of California and David Rivera of Guatemala, two sisters Floridalma Rivera of Chicago and Josefina Rivera of Guatemala, fourteen grandchildren Alexander Rios, Sr., Lizbeth Lopez, Daniel Freeman, Jennifer Freeman, Clarisa Leung, Modesto Echezarreta, Sofia Rivera, Clara Rivera, Max Rivera, Kayla Rivera, Sarah Rivera, Meghan Niemi, Isabelle Niemi, and Marvin Niemi, four great grandchildren Alexander Rios, Jr., Juliza Lopez, Julien Irish, and Mabel Irish, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one sister Magdalena Rivera de Conde and one brother Marco Antonio Rivera. Visitation will be Saturday from 2-4pm at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral home. Funeral services will follow at 4pm at the funeral home. Pastor Kevin Sullivan and Pastor David Longstaff will officiate. Burial will be in the La Colina Cemetery in Guatemala. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established. Condolences to the family of Max Rivera can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Max J Rivera

September 26, 1937 - August 27, 2016