Maxwell Michael Wald, 31, of Rapid City, South Dakota, lost his life on January 7th, 2023 after an internal battle with depression.

Max was born on February 18, 1991 in Rapid City, SD, the youngest son of Stephen & Cynthia (Hilton) Wald. As a child, Max loved the outdoors. He played soccer, track, football, basketball and baseball. He managed to get anywhere he needed to be on his bike including numerous trips a day to play golf. He loved doing anything with cars. Whether it was making them look cool, or making sure they were running well, Max could do it all. He had a beautiful, huge heart and felt things in such a big way. He loved spending holidays with family including cousins, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

He graduated from Central High School in 2009 and attended automotive education at Western Dakota Tech. During that time, he welcomed his oldest daughter, Skylar Ann Wald on December 4th, 2010.

On June 23rd, 2017, he married the love of his life, Katie Cook. They welcomed two additional girls, Hunter Grace Wald December 15th, 2018 and Gwyndolyn Grace Wald on September 9, 2020. His girls were his pride and joy.

Max spent his career sharing his many talents in a variety of industries. He was exceptionally talented when it came to anything involving working with his hands. His ability to build and fix almost anything was second to none.

Max was an incredible father, son, brother, and devoted husband. He was an avid hunter. He loved the Black Hills and took incredible joy being in nature and sharing it with his family and friends. It brought Max true happiness to share his love of hunting with Skylar. His pride overflowed when she claimed her first trophy, a button buck. Max was also a skilled archer and shared his passion and skill as a mentor with South Dakota Youth Hunting Adventures. He brought out the best giggles in his girls and loved making memories and taking adventures with his family. Days spent with his family and friends on the lake or in nature were some of his best moments.

Max was willing and eager to do anything to help his family and community. He was always there to lend a helping hand.

He is survived by his wife, Katie Wald, children, Skylar (Cassidy Downen), Hunter and Gwyndolyn Wald of Rapid City, Parents, Steve and Cindy Wald of Rapid City, brother Zach (Jacki) of Florida, Grandparents Bernice Wald of Aberdeen and Charles Clark of Rapid City, parents in law, Bill and Carol Cook of Rapid City, sister in law, Abby (Keith) Gillick of New York, nephews Declan and Zander Wald of Florida, Rowan Cook of Rapid City, nieces Eliana and Zoe Gillick of New York, Kaya Cook of Rapid City and countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by grandparents, Lawrence Wald of Aberdeen, Carolyn Hilton, James Hilton, Joann Hilton all of Rapid City and cousin Jacob Wald of Aberdeen.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Wald Children Benefit Fund. The benefit fund is at Black Hills Federal Credit Union and contributions via check can be made out to the Wald Children Benefit Fund and delivered in person or via mail. Donations can also be made to GoFundMe under the Wald Children Benefit Fund.

Memorial Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Thursday, January 12, 2023 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.

Celebration of Life Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 am Friday, January 13, 2023 at Fountain Springs East, 912 Centre Street.