Max Soper

Floyd "Max" Soper, a cherished lifelong resident of Big Springs, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, at the age of 91.

Born on September 8, 1934, in Ogallala, NE, to the late Floyd Pearl and Margaret Alice Soper, Max was raised with the strong values, unwavering work ethic, and neighborly kindness that guided him throughout his life. Deeply devoted to his family, his community, and the land he loved, he embodied the quiet strength and generosity that left a lasting impact on all who knew him in the Big Springs area. Whether offering a helping hand, sharing a story, or providing thoughtful wisdom, Max touched countless lives through simple yet profound acts of kindness. Max sold Pfister Seed Corn for many years, and he always loved sharing a good joke with anyone he knew.

On August 22, 1954, Max married Phyllis Elaine Hendrix, and together they were blessed with five children: one son, Michael, and four daughters, Mary, Melodie, Michelle, and Mona.

Max later married Sharon K. (Marquardt) Soper on May 24, 1997, at the United Methodist Church in Ogallala, Nebraska.

Max's greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his daughters: Mary Rochlitz, Big Springs; Melodie Woodworth (Ken), Big Springs; Michelle Armstrong, Big Springs; Mona Garcia (Christopher), Cheyenne, Wyoming; and daughter-in-law, Judy Soper, Big Springs.

He leaves behind a legacy of 20 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. He is also survived by two siblings-Pat (Bob) Stevens of Aurora, Colorado, and Marlene (Rod) Bellamy of Spring, Texas, as well as sisters-in-law Patti Soper of Ogallala, Nebraska, and Lorraine Soper of Singapore. Numerous nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends will remember Max with deep affection for his warmth, generosity, and steadfast character.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Phyllis Elaine Hendrix Soper, and his second wife, Sharon K. (Marquardt) Soper, his son, Michael, and his grandson, Michael Julius Soper, II. As well as his parents, brothers, and sisters.

Max was known for his steady laugh, his unwavering devotion to his family, and his profound love of farming. He spent much of his life working the fields and tending cattle, finding purpose and fulfillment in caring for the land and living simply and sincerely. Max loved collecting arrowheads, and his collection grew over his years on earth.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala.

A funeral service will be held at the United Methodist Church in Big Springs on February 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with Pastor Curt Magelky officiating; burial to follow at the Big Springs Cemetery. Friends and community members are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Max's life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Memorials have been established for the Big Springs United Methodist Church and the Big Springs Fire Department.

Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live.

Max will be profoundly missed, yet his spirit will continue to live on through the many lives he touched and through the community he helped shape in Big Springs.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.