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Symptoms to the Elliott family, Max was a great man that always put other people first. He was a great person and friend.
Ray Konzen
October 16, 2025 | Albuquerque, NM | Friend
Photo courtesy of Reiff Funeral Home - Epworth
May 6, 1944 - Oct 15, 2025
Symptoms to the Elliott family, Max was a great man that always put other people first. He was a great person and friend.
Ray Konzen
October 16, 2025 | Albuquerque, NM | Friend
It is with great sadness that his loving family shares that Max Paul Elliott died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Harmony in Dubuque.
Friends may call from 1-7 p.m. on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, IA, where a prayer service will be held at 12:30 p.m., Epworth Fire Department will meet in a body at 4 p.m., Scouting America members will meet in a body at 5 p.m., and a Knights of Columbus Rosary will be held at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will also be held after 9 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home, where the Epworth American Legion John White Post # 650 will meet in a body at 9:45 a.m. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, in Epworth at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 20, 2025, with Fr. Thomas Ascheman officiating, Fr. Steve Garner concelebrating, and assisted by his son Deacon Nick Elliott. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in Farley, Iowa, with full military honors afforded by the Epworth American Legion John White Post #650.
Max was born on May 6, 1944, to Kenneth and Lucille (Dress) Elliott. He received his education from St. Joseph's Catholic School in Farley, Iowa and Western Dubuque High School in Epworth, Iowa, where he graduated in 1964. Max is a Veteran having served in the United States Army, having completed United States Army Aviation School in 1965, earning two Air Medals. He worked at the Dubuque Pak, Georgia Pacific, Boy Scouts of America, Knights of Columbus, Zephyr Aluminum, and Walmart during his career. He earned degrees in Marketing Management from Northeast Iowa Technical Institute and Business Administration from the University of Dubuque. He worked tirelessly for his family and showed them a solid work ethic. Although he was not able to enjoy retirement after becoming sick, he found joy in the simple pleasures in life: family, faith, friendships, and sweet treats.
Max was united in marriage to Sharon Kay Betts, and she preceded him in death on January 22, 1975. On September 11, 1976, he was united in marriage to Karolyn C. Kalb at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Epworth, Iowa. She preceded him in death on October 30, 2024. They had two children whom he was so proud of, never missing a chance to share what they were up to. Max became “Papa” to his beloved grandchildren. He held them close to his heart and was proud of his family. He was also a very active member of the Epworth American Legion John White Post #650, and the Boy Scouts of America Pack 70 and Troup 70. Max was a dedicated Scouter and is most well-known for bringing Wood Badge to the Northeast Iowa Council. He led the first Wood Badge in the council and the training continues today. During his Scouting career, he was awarded the following awards: George Meany award in 1981, District Award of Merit in 1983, Silver Beaver in 2002, and Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow. Max also performed his civic duty while serving on the Epworth City Council 1976-1977, and Planning and Zoning from 1979-2016.
Max was a devout Catholic as a member of St. Patrick’s Parish, the Knights of Columbus Council #7823 in Epworth, Iowa, and the 4th Degree Dubourg Assembly #1573 in Dubuque, Iowa. His faith sustained him through war, tragedies, and health issues, yet he was always willing to share that faith, a laugh, or lend a helping hand. One of the ways he sustained his faith was praying the rosary, it gave him strength to keep pushing. Max believed deeply in Jesus and in the true presence of Him in the Eucharist, receiving the Eucharist as his final meal.
Those left to cherish Max’s memory are his two children, Deacon Nick (Nettie) Elliott, and Sara (Jeff McMillen) Elliott; two grandchildren, Dawson and Payton Elliott; one brother, David (Jeanette Frederick) Elliott; brothers and sisters-in-law, Arlene Elliott, Diane Elliott, Anna Elliott, Tom (Melinda) Betts, Bob (Claudette) Betts, Frank Kalb, Steve (Donna) Kalb, Cindy Gansen, Kathy Kalb, Fred Pierce, and Mike Hannan.
He is also preceded in death by his parents; two unborn children; siblings, Kenneth (Audrey) Elliott Sr. Richard Elliott Sr., Lyle Elliott Sr., Lois Smith, Phillip Elliott, and Jeneen Pierce; in-laws, Alfred and Mildred Betts, Leonard and Marie Kalb; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jeanette Elliott, Loras Kalb, Ken Kalb, and Mary Hannan; three nephews, Robert Elliott, Leslie Ganfield, and DJ Elliott; two nieces, Theresa Sawvell, and Tracie Elliott; two great nephew, Jeremy Fischer and Christian Simon; and a great niece, Jennifer Elliott.
Max’s family is deeply grateful to the residents, nurses, and staff at Harmony Dubuque and Hospice of Dubuque, for their loving care and support.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to Divine Word College in Max’s memory – leaving a continuing legacy of his faith and devotion to Catholicism.
A Tribute Video may be viewed, and online condolences may be given to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com
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