Max J. Molleston
MOLLESTON, GRIMES, DELFS, THIBODEAU, WALVOORD
Posted By: Sarah Fletcher (email)
Date: 10/16/2020 at 10:12:34
Max J. Molleston, 85, of Coralville, formerly of Davenport passed away October 8, 2020 at his home after a sudden illness. Max was a long-time media personality in the Quad Cities who lent his time and talents to many community organizations.
To celebrate his life, a visitation will be held Sunday, October 11, 2020 at 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Lensing’s Oak Hill, 210 Holiday Road, Coralville, Iowa. Please respect social distancing guidelines and the wearing of masks. A private graveside service will be at the Dysart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Max Joe Molleston was born on September 1, 1935 in Ames, Iowa, to Max E Molleston and Helen (Grimes) Molleston. He was united in marriage to Rhoada May Delfs on June 28, 1964 in Dysart, Iowa. Max grew up in Ames, where he graduated from Ames High School. He attended Iowa State University and earned a degree in Political Science from The University of Iowa, with a short stint in between stationed at the U.S. Army Base in Vicenza, Italy. His long career in Broadcasting began on the radio at KXEL in Waterloo, IA, during which time son Robert was born. A television job reading the morning news at WHBF in Rock Island, IL brought Max and family to Davenport, where daughter Melissa was born. Max soon took the position as Farm News Director for radio and television and became well known in the Quad Cities and surrounding area. He finished his career at WOC radio, at the age of 68. In retirement, Max was asked to write a monthly column for 50+Lifestyles Magazine, titled Max’s Musings.
In addition to work and family, Max belonged to many professional and nonprofit organizations. He was an active member of the National Association of Farm Broadcasters, arranging summer vacations around the annual NAFB convention. He used his emcee skills on Bix Fest stages, and sincerely enjoyed serving in any capacity on any board. He spent countless hours volunteering for Friends of Vander Veer. When he and Rhoada moved to Iowa City to be closer to grandson Robbie, he found a new home on the board of Project Green. As a writer, Max was continuously reading and working on his craft as a member of Quint City Poets, The Iowa Poetry Association, and the Midwest Writing Center, where he directed the Mississippi Valley Poetry Contest for decades.
Max is survived by his wife, Rhoada Molleston of Coralville; his daughter, Melissa (James Thibodeau) Molleston of Iowa City; his sister, Ellen (Thomas) Walvoord of Lake Forest, IL; and three grandchildren, Robbie, Jamie, and Sydney Thibodeau.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son Robert Hart Molleston and, one brother Jerald Grimes Molleston, Sr.
Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service
Johnson Obituaries maintained by Cindy Booth Maher.
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