A wall of more than 1,000 books fills one side of Max Wortman’s living room at his home in Ames.

At 72, Wortman, distinguished professor of management, was still doing what he loved — teaching. His wife, Cora Wortman, said Max didn’t consider retirement an option because he loved his work so much.

In the early morning of March 25, just six hours after finishing his evening business management class, Wortman suffered a massive stroke in his home around 3 a.m.

Cora described it as “shocking.”

Wortman grew up in Davenport, where he attended St. Ambrose University for two years before transferring to Iowa State to pursue civil engineering.

His many social activities, however, hindered his grades — Cora said he regularly skipped class.

“His pastor said, ‘Max, you’re too social to be an engineer,'” she said.

Although he graduated from Iowa State with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1956, he took his pastor’s advice and changed academic routes. Wortman transferred to the industrial relations program at the University of Minnesota and received his doctorate in business administration in 1962.

Even as a young man, Wortman spent most of his time doing campus, political and church activities, Cora said.

His social life never quit, as he took a strong interest in professional organizations all over the nation and even attended international conferences.

“Every time we went somewhere, someone would know Max and always say hello,” Cora said. “There was no stranger to him.”

Wortman was known as the “Happy Wanderer” by his colleagues around the world, according to his personal Web site. He taught at five universities before settling back in at Iowa State in 1988, where he taught for 17 years.

“His enthusiasm for book knowledge and interacting with students allowed him to teach for 49 years,” Cora said. “He never got tired of it. There was always a new challenge and new adventure for him.”

Wortman’s family, friends and students said he was very personable with everyone.

“He went the extra mile to get to know you,” said Wortman’s former student, Katie Petersen, senior in management. “During class, he’d always relate our work to a committee or organization he was involved in — it seemed like he did everything. It was a fun class you didn’t want to miss.”

Wortman strongly believed in service to the community and the university. He was also a friend to his many colleagues.

“Max would drop by my office and we would visit till late in the evening when both he and I were at our offices in Carver Hall,” said Ben Allen, provost and vice president for academic affairs.

“His focus was on the College of Business and how we could make it better for the students. He will be missed.”

Wortman’s passion for life was also evident in his family relations. His daughter, Sarah Demyanovich, said he was always a great father and he continued that through his many grandchildren.

Wortman’s passion for reading both fictional and professional books was a hobby he loved.

“He used to read three paperback books a week,” Cora said. “His favorite was mystery adventure by British women writers.”

The last book Wortman was reading before he died was “Blacklist” by Sara Paretsky. It still sits on the table next to his worn-in chair in the living room. Although his energy level decreased with age because of kidney failure during the last two years, his death was still shocking to family and friends who knew him best.

“He died in the saddle,” Cora said. “And he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.”