Max Lindbergh Wertz
PHOENIX – Max Lindbergh Wertz December 8, 1927 - July 30, 2023 Dr. Max L. Wertz, loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, veteran, and “King of the Dad Jokes,” passed away on July 30, 2023 at the age of 95. Max was a well known ENT physician in Phoenix, Arizona for more than 40 years. Max is survived by his loving wife Suzanne Snavely Wertz of 24 years, his children, Lisa, Nicole and Michael, his step-children Luke (Holly), Liz and Lance (Sarah), ten grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and former wife, Diane Ambrose Wertz.
Max was born and raised in Bryan, Ohio to Maude and Leroy Wertz. Maude was a housewife and Leroy owned a creamery. Max grew up in Bryan with his three siblings Imogene, Wayne and Nancy. He cherished his time in the Eagle Scouts and at Bryan High where he lettered in varsity football, basketball and track. In March of 2022, a story of his letter sweater was featured on Phoenix CBS 5. At a young age Max honed his Midwest qualities of honor, commitment, duty and his amazing sense of humor.
In 1946, Max did not attend his high school graduation so that he could enlist to serve his country in the U.S. Army. He was selected for OCS, served as a cryptographer and discharged as a 2nd Lt. Afterwards, Max and an army buddy headed to Phoenix to attend ASU.
After ASU, Max went to Northwestern University where he studied and received his medical degree from the Medical Center of Northwestern University and completed his internship and his residency in otolaryngology at Chicago Wesley Memorial Hospital. Followed by a residency at Cook County Hospital. He went on to become a Diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology.
In 1956, Max married Diane Ambrose. Upon completion of his residency Max returned to Phoenix with his young family in 1959. There, Max joined an ENT practice with Dr. Jack Brooks. They formed ENT Professional Associates.
Max quickly became known among his fellow physicians as a “doctor’s doctor.” He was the “go to guy” for numerous ENT problems yet, in all of his surgeries his most gratifying moment was when the patient would say, “Doctor, I can hear.”
Max was a pioneer within the medical community in Arizona, serving as president of the Maricopa County Medical Society and Chief of Staff at Good Samaritan Hospital. He was instrumental in the creation of the hearing program, “Never Too Young.” One of the first nationwide programs that required the testing of hearing in newborns. He sponsored public school programs to demonstrate the hazards of smoking to students.
Upon retirement from private practice, he assumed a position at the Mayo Clinic where he was a physician in the ENT- Otolaryngology department. At the Mayo Clinic, numerous colleagues regarded him as a pioneer in Phoenix medicine who helped to set high standards for health care in Arizona.
Max and Suzanne were married in 1999, with their “Brady Bunch” family in attendance. Life quickly became very full with the addition of 10 grandchildren in the next few years. Max retired in 2004. In retirement, Max and Suzy were also able to enjoy numerous adventures to far off lands. Max was successful in visiting all 7 continents, one of his life’s goals. He was also able to continue his life-long love of golf, tennis, fishing, traveling and watching anything related to sports.
Max was a pillar of the Phoenix Community, a hard-working compassionate doctor, a great friend and family man, a competitive athlete, a life-long learner and a funny guy. Although he was not born in Arizona, he always thought of Phoenix as the best place on earth. The world will be a more somber place without him.
On September 15th, there will be a private military interment followed by a Celebration of Life with friends and family at a residence.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Department of Development Office - ALIX School of Medicine, Arizona, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905.