Danny Max Malone of Yorkville, Illinois passed on peacefully on Tuesday, October 21st, surrounded by family at Joliet Area Community Hospice in Joliet, Illinois.
Born in Kirksville, Missouri on May 17, 1934 to Harold and Blanche Malone, Max began his life-long love affair with farming from the start, growing up on farms in Missouri, Ohio, and Illinois. His family eventually settled in Sandwich, Illinois and in 1952, he graduated from Sandwich High School.
Max married Wanda Ilene Jelm of Somonauk in 1954 and, in 1956, welcomed son Gregory and, in 1960, daughter Yvonne into this world. Wanda passed on in 1996.
Max enjoyed a long career in the farm implement business beginning with Jelm Implement Company in Somonauk, and then Sheehan’s Farm Equipment in Sycamore and Hesston Corporation (now AGCO Corporation). After retiring in 1999, he worked for the Department of Agriculture, conducting farm audits, until 2009.
Max loved to travel, especially down the country roads of the Midwest – he seemed to know the back way to everywhere – and his work with Hesston took him down many as he called on farm implement dealers and farmers throughout northern Illinois, southern Wisconsin, and central Indiana. While at Hesston, his travels extended far beyond the gravel roads of small farming communities as company trips took him to Hawaii, Mexico, Italy and England.
In 1999, Max married Elizabeth “Betty” Kolar and moved to Yorkville, Illinois. He and Betty worked together to transform an overgrown wooded property into a beautiful woodland garden. They also took many road trips visiting family and friends throughout the U.S., as well as traveled extensively to countries throughout the world. Many travels involved extensive genealogical research, and he leaves behind many volumes for his family to cherish. He also enjoyed helping Betty’s son, Scott, on his farm in Lockport; this gave him the opportunity to purchase and restore an antique Farmall Tractor.
Throughout his life, Max volunteered in his community – in Lion’s Club, Meals on Wheels, and the Community of Christ Church.
Max is survived by his wife Betty, children Greg (Kathryn Kelley) of Indianapolis, Yvonne (Maurice Mathy) of Downers Grove, stepson Scott Lagger (Jane Hesse) of Lockport and grandchildren Rory, Ian, and Patrick Malone; Marc and Mary Katherine Mathy; and Sam, Emma, and Ted Lagger. Max is also survived his sister Helen Augustine Kosteck (Ray), brother Charles Malone (Connie), as well as by many nieces and nephews and a wide circle of friends.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to their many friends and family members who supported Max and his family during these last few years. The Panera “coffee boys” helped Max stay connected to the world around him through their countless visits to share a cup of coffee and conversation. In addition, the family would like to thank the medical community, and in particular, Dr. Robert Rosen (Rush University Medical Center), Dr. Vijay Shah (Rush-Copley Medical Center), and the professionals at Joliet Area Community Hospice.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 25th from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home, 1010 W. South St., Plano, IL, with Funeral Services following at 2 p.m. at the Community of Christ Church (in the old Stone Church), 320 S. Center Ave, Plano, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community of Christ Church or to a charity of choice. Please call 630-553-7611 for further information.
Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes & Crematory, (630)552-7211 or www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com.
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