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.