Details
About Max E VanGorp
Max E VanGorp passed away on Dec.28th, 2025 At Hospice of the Valley Lunt house in Gilbert, AZ. Born on Sept.24th, 1946 to De Vern and Darlene VanGorp in Oskaloosa, Iowa.
He spent his early years on various farms in the Oskaloosa area with his siblings, Delore and Wayne. Max graduated from Twin Cedars High in 1965.
In his early adult years, Max worked various jobs, notably at Harrison Department store before purchasing Zillman Furniture Store. He later operated VanGorp Furniture from 1974 to 1985. Many fond memories from the store were the lunches in the backroom, the “Eastside Mafia Coffee Club” and after hours at the VFW on the second floor. Max welcomed two sons: Dean and Curt, during his marriage to Millie.
Max had an ability to connect with others, making friends easily with just a short conversation. . Max was a talented salesman all of his life. People swear he could “sell water in the middle of a rainstorm”. He was also famous to friends and family for his playful “shenanigans or tricks he would quietly orchestrate.
Max’s second marriage to Patricia Moberly lasted for over 41 years, during which he became an Arizonan for 40 of those years. While in Arizona he worked for several furniture companies before establishing his own business. He opened Saguaro Furniture for 15 years before retiring in 2008.
In Arizona, Pat and Max created memories with family and grandchildren. Special trips were enjoyed with friends better known as the “cruise crew”; along with camping, fishing, gardening and exploring the beauty of Arizona. Pat and Max build a cherished place in the mountains of Arizona; “the cabin”; located in Happy Jack, Arizona.
Left to share his story is his loving wife, Pat VanGorp of Gilbert, Az. two sons Dean (Wydale) of Gilbert Az and Curtis of Austin, Texas; his two grandchildren Jordan VanGorp of Houston, Texas and Cooper VanGorp of Gilbert, Az.; his first wife Millie Stuckey of Houston, Texas and sister Delore Rankin of Mesa Az; plus many nieces, nephews and friends.
Max was preceded in death by his parents DeVern and Darlene VanGorp and his brother Wayne VanGorp.
Celebration of life will be held in both Iowa and Arizona. The Iowa celebration is April 11 at the VFW in Fairfield Iowa at 2pm. The Arizona celebration is May 16 at the family cabin in Happy Jack at noon.
In lieu of flowers; memorials can be directed to Hospice of the Valley and any National Park Foundation of your choice.
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.