Max Adler, who taught biology and was senior curator of
Eastern Michigan University's greenhouse for more than
32 years, died Feb. 27. He was 72.
Adler began teaching as a lecturer of ornamental plants
at EMU in 1965. Adler taught various biology courses at
EMU and managed the greenhouse, which now sits next to
Mark Jefferson, until his retirement in 1997. He also served
as curriculum chairman for the pre-forestry program. At
the same time, Adler taught adult education courses
at Hidden Lake Gardens; a number of workshops at EMU's
Kresge Environmental Education Center at Fish Lake; and
a plant care class at the Lenawee Vo-Tec Center.
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Adler |
"Max's dry sense of humor and unbridled enthusiasm and
passion for nature made him one of our most popular instructors.
His classes were jammed full, and students showered him
with rave reviews," said
Glenn Walker, an EMU biology professor who worked with
Adler.
Adler received both his master's degree in wildlife management
and his bachelor's degree in botany from the University
of Michigan.
Before coming to EMU, Sadler was employed by the Michigan
Scientific Company in Ann Arbor, where he met his wife
of 23 years, Wanda (Guenther) Adler.
Adler, a Saline resident, volunteered as a member of Saline's
Beautification Committee from 1976-1976 and was considered
Saline's city forester for more than a decade in the 1970s
and 1980s. He was instrumental in the development of the
trail systems of both Curtiss Park and Wilderness Park,
and assisted in the development of leaflets that outlined
the trails of each.
Adler frequently volunteered his time to various Girl
Scout troops and elementary school classes, guiding them
through the Saline parks and other landscapes of interest.
For the past several years, Adler had been an active member
of the Saulk Trail Audubon Society, a group that shared
his passion for nature. He also enjoyed bird watching and
nature photography.
In appreciation for his years of service to the Saline
Park system and the citizens of Saline, a trail in Curtiss
Park was named "The Max Adler Trail" by the mayor and Saline
City Council April 29, 2005.
Adler was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church
in Bridgewater. During the past 30 years, he volunteered
as a Sunday School teacher and served on the church council
as the congregational treasurer.
Survivors include a daughter, Amanda Hart; a son, Mark
E. Adler; a brother, Robert C. Adler; four grandchildren,
and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service took place March 10 at St. John's Lutheran
Church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's
Lutheran Church's Memorial Fund.
