Max did not know a stranger. Quoting from Larry Happel's article in Central's January 2023 Civitas - "He connected with the [Central] athletes because he cared about them. Vander Pol was there for any Central student who needed a hamburger or a place to spend the night — or even a month."

It is impossible to talk about Max without often mentioning Judy – they were 2 halves of a whole, partners in all aspects of their lives. As co-owners of Dubit's, Judy worked mornings – 5 AM until 4 PM, while Max worked nights – 4 PM until 1 AM, 7 days a week. At Cleats & Spikes, Judy worked the bar, and Max, the supper club, 7 days a week. Max & Judy, along with their neighbors, opened Vander Teau Tree farm in the 80's on the Vander Pol property. Through this venture, they employed many local high school and Central students to assist in the labor-intensive care of the trees. Their daughters (youngest 2 still at home) worked alongside them in the trees. The tree farm was a joyous place to be during the holiday season. Max loved the extra wildlife that came because of the trees; something he was able to enjoy up to the end of his time at the farm. Max & Judy worked hard, but they lived life to the fullest and made the best of every moment that makes up the dash that is on a headstone between birth and death.

Max hosted a weekly poker game at the house in the 60's & 70's. He taught Judy to play poker so his weekly game could continue even if a regular wasn't able to play. Once she became proficient, he had her as a partner in his enjoyment of a good poker game. In retirement, it was common to hear her say, "Max, let's go to work", and off they would go to play poker at Prairie Meadows.

Max & Judy made lifelong friends in the poker room as well. The last time Max was at Prairie Meadows, walking into the poker room with him felt like it must feel to walk into Cheers with Norm.

Vacations were times to make memories and Max & Judy made many wonderful memories with their family. Road trips, National Parks, visits to out of state family & friends – always an opportunity to impress on their daughters how important quality time, family time, really is when building their own dashes.

Max and Judy took great joy in their grandchildren. Blankets and sport chairs made their way into the car trunk so they could enjoy attending many and various activities. Given the role poker played in their lives, Max & Judy taught the grandkids how to play. There would be a rousing game of poker at every family gathering but guaranteed on holidays. You might think they "held back" when playing the grandkids – absolutely not! The grandchildren added a new dimension to their lives, and they excelled at being grandparents and were adored by their grandchildren.

Max's dash is full now. He has been blessed with an amazing life. He lived his life without regrets, had incredible stories of completely unexpected adventures, and shared all of that with Judy, the love of his life, for 55 years. His 3 daughters were blessed to be a part of their adventures and to hear the many stories that made Max the "local legend" he was.

Max & Judy were blessed with 3 daughters and 1 son.

Max is survived by:

Tereva "Terry" (Vander Pol) Vos Tessa Campbell Kieran Campbell

Aandrea "AJ" (Vander Pol) and Pat Beary Joe Beary Valerie Beary Stephanie (Beary) and Trenton Major

Leslie (Vander Pol) and Chad Johnston Cody Johnston Mackenzie Johnston

His Brother: Wayne Dale Vander Pol His Sisters-in-law: Martha (Van Ekeren) & Hank Vande Voort, Linda (Van Ekeren) Klyn Many nieces and nephews

Max was preceded in death by:

Judy (Van Ekeren) Vander Pol, his wife and lifelong partner Nick Vos, his son-in-law Jerry Campbell, his son-in-law Hazel & Lester Vander Pol, his parents Sisters-in-law: Katie (Van Ekeren) Stepleton, Helen (Hokanson) Vander Pol, Betty (Van Ekeren) Conklin Brothers-in-law: Les Klyn, John Conklin Ida & Henry Van Ekeren, his in-laws Jon Jay Vander Pol, his infant son

Max and Judy both benefited from hospice at the end of their days. If you wish to donate in Max's honor, please consider hospice. Hospice of Pella 505 Union Street Pella, IA 50219

Hospice of Pella - Day of Care
Pella IA