Max Guenthner, 91, of Bismarck formerly of Underwood, passed away on September 8, 2026, surrounded by his family.

A Memorial Service will start at 11 a.m., on Saturday, September 12, at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 801 E Denver Ave, Bismarck, ND. To view the church livestream, click the link provided~ Max.

Burial will be at 11 a.m., on Thursday, September 17, at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND. 

Ray “Max” Guenthner, was born on August 31, 1935, in Hazen, North Dakota. He was the son of Adam and Emma (Isaak) Guenthner. Raised on a farm near Hazen, he was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Hazen, and was a graduate of Hazen High School in 1953. Max began his career working with Peter Kiewit Construction on the Garrison Dam before proudly serving in the United States Army in Korea from 1955 to 1957.

After returning home, Max took a position at Knudtson Implement, the local International Harvester Dealership in Underwood. While attending a Thanksgiving dance in 1959, he met the love of his life, Marge Simenson. They were married on June 26, 1960, and built their life together in Underwood. Max eventually became a co-owner of the International Harvester Dealership, which he operated until the early 1980s. In 1981, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing a farm and ranch south of Riverdale, located along the beautiful banks of the Missouri River. Max was a farmer at heart, and he cherished every moment spent working the land and cattle. He was especially grateful to have the help of his son, Michael, who had plans to take over the ranch. Max and Marge retired and moved to Bismarck in 2019.

Max’s passion for farming was evident, but his interests extended beyond the farm. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and, most of all, holding his family close. He served as the mayor of Underwood and was active on the city commission for many years. During his years of service, he played a key role in the town's infrastructure development, including the swimming pool and the new City Hall. He also supported the growth of the local coal industry through impactful grants. His forward-thinking approach and dedication to the community left a lasting impact on Underwood.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Marge; and their daughters, Marci (Brad Schmidt) Guenthner of Bismarck and Mary (Alan) Klain of Turtle Lake. Max also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Aaron Klain of Turtle Lake and Amy Klain of Fargo, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and special cousins Maxine Beckwith, Harvey (Kathy) Huber, and Rodney Huber, who were like siblings to Max.

Max was preceded in death by his son Michael, his parents, eight siblings, and several extended family members.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all of Max’s caregivers, particularly the dedicated pulmonary therapists at St. Alexius—Lori, Roxanne, and Becky.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Veteran's Cemetery, a local church, or a charity of your choice.