East Lansing
Dr. Max Mortland passed away peacefully Saturday, June 29th at the age of 90 in Lansing, Michigan. He was born on a farm in Streator, Illinois to Merle and Mildred on March 30, 1923 and was preceded in death by his older brother Robert John Mortland and younger sister Lois Arnold. During World War II he served in the US Navy in the Pacific Theatre.
After the war, Max returned to the University of Illinois where he earned a Ph.D. in Soil Chemistry. After graduating he joined the University of Wyoming as an Assistant Professor. In 1953 he joined the faculty of Michigan State University where he held the title of Professor of Soil Science and Geology for some thirty years.
Max was always active. Being an avid outdoorsman enjoying the natural beauty of Michigan where he would fish, hunt, canoe and camp with friends and family as often as he could. He also enjoyed the music of the human voice and sang with the Renaissance singers, East Lansing Arts Chorale and the choir at his beloved Unitarian-Universalist Church in East Lansing, MI, as well as playing tennis several times a week right up to his 89th birthday.
Max leaves behind his devoted and loving wife Betty, his daughters Janice, Priscilla and Cynthia; son Jamie and grand children, Stefan and Kelsey. He now embarks on a new journey made confident in this, we trust, with his knowledge of the tremendous help and care he gave to each who had the opportunity to know him.
A service honoring Max’s life will be held at the Unitarian-Universalist Church, 855 Grove, East Lansing, Saturday, July 20, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. Those wishing may make contributions to the Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, P. O. Box 30480, Lansing, MI 48909-9986.
The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing. On line condolences may be made at: www.greastlansing.com
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