Karl Max Borst

Karl "Max" Borst, 95, of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026.

Born on January 23, 1931, in South Vienna, Ohio, Max lived a life defined by faith, service, and dedication. He proudly served his country as a Lieutenant in the United States Air Force before beginning the next chapter of his life with the love of his life, Mary Ann.

Max married Mary Ann on October 16, 1954, after the two met while she was working as a United Airlines flight attendant. Their marriage was one of enduring love and partnership, spanning 68 wonderful years until Mary Ann's passing in 2022. Together they built a life centered on one another and on raising their two sons, Kevin and Michael.

The family made their home in Newton, Iowa, where Max devoted his professional career to Maytag Corporation. Through hard work and steady leadership, he rose to become Vice President of Purchasing. His career first brought the family to Cleveland, Tennessee, in 1983. After a brief return to Iowa, Max and Mary Ann made Cleveland their permanent home upon his retirement in 1999.

A devoted member of Broad Street United Methodist Church, Max faithfully served his church in numerous capacities. He also volunteered with Cleveland City Schools and participated in a local prison ministry, reflecting his commitment to serving others.

In retirement, Max enjoyed traveling with Mary Ann, woodworking, tending his garden, cheering on his alma mater, the Ohio State Buckeyes, and spending time with family and friends. Those who knew him appreciated his steady presence, practical nature, and willingness to lend a hand.

Max was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Ann Borst; sons, Kevin Borst and Michael Borst; parents, Alice Lucinda and Roy Marvin Borst; sister, Margaret Taggart and her husbands Ted Taggart and Cy Braumiller; brother, Richard Borst and his wife, Myriam; and brother-in-law, John Agle.

He is survived by his grandchildren: William Borst and his wife, Elizabeth, and their sons, Walter, Gene, and John Michael Borst; Lauren Dutton and her husband, James Dutton, and their daughter, Katherine Dutton; Meredith McRee and her husband, James McRee; Bradley Borst and his wife, Laura, and his son, Grayson Borst; Matthew Borst and his fiancée, Deb Walters; and Andrew Borst and his daughter, Meadow Borst; sister, Carolyn Agle; brother, Joe Borst and his wife, Karen.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Broad Street United Methodist Church on Sunday, August 16, 2026. Visitation will be held at 4 PM at the church, with the Celebration of Life service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Helping Hands at Broad Street United Methodist Church or to Habitat for Humanity, in honor of Max's lifelong commitment to serving others and his community.