Maxwell Joseph Kocinski

Maxwell Joseph Kocinski was born on August 1, 2023, in Hays, Kansas. He was a bright light whose love for people, adventure, and the color yellow will never be forgotten. He went to be with Jesus on July 18, 2026, in St. Paul, Minnesota, far sooner than anyone here on earth would have wanted.

His sweetest little voice was quick to say, "please," "thank you,” and “ya, me too!” He was thoughtful and serious, responsible and kind. He was a caretaker and would help take care of his two cats and make sure his garden was watered and tended to. He loved playing ball, nature, painting, digging with his shovel, and trucks. He might have been the younger brother, but he looked out for his sister, Violet, like the oldest. Joining his sister in all of her pursuits and adventures was one of his favorite pastimes. He was a rule follower, candy sneaker, and silly boy who loved his daddy and momma so much.

Max had endured pain and surgeries that no one so young should have to face. "Miracle Max" was a phrase coined by his family after surviving two major surgeries early on in his life.

He was preceded in death by Great Grandparents Wilma and Leo Zeigler, Dziadek Roger Churbuck, Great Grandfather Jozef Kwiatkowski, Great Grandma Czeslawa Kwiatkowska, Great Grandma Joy Birdwell and Great Grandfather George Crawford.

Max is survived by the family who will keep his memory alive: his parents, Adam and Dayna Kocinski; his sister, Violet Kocinski; his grandparents, Babcia Eva Kocinski, Papa Jeff and Oma Linda Crawford; and his aunts and uncles, Chris and Aimee Kocinski, Maja and Leonard Kern, Jason Crawford, and cousins Brianne and Danica Kocinski, along with extended family, and friends of all ages.

A memorial service to honor Maxwell’s life, will be held at 10 A.M. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in the Natoma Gymnasium in Natoma, Kansas.  The graveside service will immediately follow at the Natoma City Cemetery.

A public visitation will be held from 12:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M., Monday, July 27, 2026, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, contributions and condolences may be given to the Maxwell J. Kocinski Memorial Fund to set up a toy excavator at the playground in Natoma as a memorial. The casket will be closed the day of the service at the gymnasium.

The family is bearing unimaginable grief and pain. We ask that you continue to hold them up in your prayers, visits, and kind words, not only now but in the days and months to come.