Max James Sanford, age 15, of Manning, passed away on Friday, December 18, 2020, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines.
The funeral service will be at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at the IKM-Manning School Gymnasium in Manning, with burial to follow in the Manning Cemetery. Due to COVID-19, the gymnasium will not be at full capacity. The doors will be opened at 10:00 a.m. The funeral will be livestreamed on the IKM Manning school website.
Visitation will be held from 4 PM to 7 PM on Tuesday, December 22, 2020, at the IKM-Manning School Gymnasium in Manning. Masks will be required. Visitors will need to social distance while waiting in line to greet the family. Visitors are asked to not gather in groups in the building. Seating will not be available during visitation.
Ohde Funeral Home in Manning is in charge of the arrangements.
Max James Sanford, son of Brett and Kasie (Lorenzen) Sanford, was born October 5, 2005 at the Manning Regional Healthcare Center in Manning, Iowa. He grew up in Manning and attended the IKM-Manning School District where he was currently a freshman.
Max will be remembered for his easy-coming infectious smile and his kind and gentle heart. A genuine and sincere son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend – a beloved role model to all. Max was a Student Council member in both Elementary School and Junior High; as well as a member of the Junior Honor Society. He was a bright and witty kid who excelled in all things he endeavored. Max was passionate about all sports and thrived in them all. Favorite teams of Max’s included the Baltimore Ravens, Minnesota Gophers, Miami Marlins, and the L.A. Lakers. Conveniently and fittingly, mostly all rivals of his dad’s favorite teams. Max was a devoted teammate and friend to many, and particularly enjoyed his friendships and memories made while playing for the Western Iowa Coyotes AAU Basketball team.
Max is survived by his parents: Brett and Kasie Sanford of Manning; siblings: Jack, Ella and Will, all at home; grandparents: Dan and Jan Lorenzen of Manning; a great-grandmother: Wava Lorenzen of Manning; aunts and uncles: Amy and Tim Ferneding of Manning, Andrea and Chad Cheney of Urbandale, John and Sarah Lorenzen of Manning, Ben and Ashley Lorenzen of Manning; Godparents: Jeremy and Gina Carroll of Manning; and by numerous cousins and other relatives and friends.
Max was preceded in death by his grandmother: Victoria Sanford-Hiatt; and great-grandparents: Max Sanford, Jack Lorenzen, and Marlys and Wilbur ‘Casey’ Karsten.
