Maxwell Van Overbeke 10/21/2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Maxwell Ross VanOverbeke (aka Max, Maxie, Manuela, Pumpkin, Mr. Awesomeness). Maxwell passed away peacefully in the presence of his parents on Wednesday, October 21st at Regions Hospital. He was 18 years old. Maxwell went on to become an organ donor, aka HERO, on Saturday, October 24th and gave the gift of life as his last act of service.

Maxwell’s journey began in St. Paul, MN at United Hospital where he was greeted by his proud parents, Ross and Tessa VanOverbeke. Maxwell resided with his parents and little sister Lucille, his bronze retriever Archie, his dad’s 46 year old turtle Tommy, and the fair fish that won’t die (that’s the fish’s name).

Maxwell recently graduated from River Falls High school in May. He also completed the EMT-Basic program at CVTC in the fall of 2025. Maxwell was not one for the academic route as he was ‘blue collar’ all the way, so he was happily working at Steiner Plumbing, Electric, & Heating as a general laborer until he could begin his electrical apprenticeship in 2027. Max loved the adrenaline of riding with the Ellsworth ambulance service in his spare time! Max just got accepted into the fire program as a volunteer firefighter with the River Falls Fire Department.

Those who knew Maxwell best would find him at the RF Gun Club or Game Unlimited shooting the clays or at the gym pumping iron. He loved any and everything John Deere and farming has been in his blood since he was a wee lad. Max loved a good bonfire with friends or making reels of his truck or just bringing sunshine wherever he went.
Maxwell loved to have fun, laugh, play pranks on family and friends, and gave the world’s best bear hugs according to his mama. He could make friends with anyone and he could sell ice to an eskimo. The world is a little more dim without his bright light shining on us.

Maxwell is survived by parents of 18 years, his sister of 13 years. He is also survived by his grandparents, Tom and Dawn Wirth, uncles Kirk, Brett (Lana), & Dustin (Amy), and his 5.5 cousins, Esther, Joshua, Joseph, Logan, Griffin, and baby girl. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Marlen and Judith VanOverbeke.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 11th, 2026 from 3:00pm-7:00pm at Ezekiel Lutheran Church (202 S. 2nd Street) in River Falls. Visitation will continue on Thursday, November 12th, 2026 from 11:00am-1:00pm at the church followed by a memorial service beginning at 1:00pm at Ezekiel Lutheran Church. A celebration of Maxwell’s life will follow the church service from 3:00pm-7:00pm at Tattersall Event Center (1777 Paulson Road) in River Falls. **Please dress like Max – John Deere, cowboy, or good ol’ blue collar attire to Celebration of Life events. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to an account at Westconsin Credit Union for a future scholarship and charitable donations in Maxwell’s honor . Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.