Max Lee Gronewold

Max Gronewold of Carthage IL, age 90, passed away on May 9, 2024, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice in Burlington. He was a beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Max was born at home on March 6, 1934, in Gothenburg, Nebraska, to Bernhard “Ben” J and Wilhelmina (Franzen) Gronewold. The family came to Illinois in 1939 after the dust storm and droughting out in Nebraska. Max graduated from Hamilton High School and began helping his dad farm. On June 16, 1956, he was united in marriage to Elaine Bachman. She preceded him in death earlier this year after over 67 years of marriage. Max was drafted in August 1956 and spent 2 years in the Army in Korea. He acquired lifelong skills and friendships during this time. Upon his return Max continued farming and took the civil service exam and worked for over 25 years at the Carthage Post Office. Following his retirement from the post office, Max picked up a USPS mail hauling route for 8 years. He also picked up a Peoria Journal Star paper delivery route which he enjoyed with his wife for even more years. Max was an 85-year member of Trinity Lutheran Church, serving as Council President, Property Chair, and choir member. Sundays were his favorite day of the week and in his last 7 months the service livestream was incredibly beneficial to him. Max is survived by his children, Greg (Mindi) Gronewold, Merlin (Jolene) Gronewold and Roberta Maue, and their grandchildren, Ashton (Madalyn) Gronewold, Brooke (Evan) Davidson, Claire Maue, Luke (Tayler) Maue, and Ian Maue, six great grandchildren, and his siblings Marlene Kanoy and Morris (Karen) Gronewold. Max never knew a stranger, he loved people and sharing stories, especially over coffee in the morning. Max was preceded in death by Elaine, his parents, brothers Milford, Mylon, and Meinert. Max’s smile and memory will be cherished by all who knew him. Visitation will be on Monday, May 13, 2024, from 5-7pm at Trinity Lutheran Church. The funeral will be on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 10am at Trinity Lutheran Church with Dave Poland, officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton. Memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church, Carthage, IL. Printy Funeral Home in Carthage is handling arrangements.