Max Emmett Oltjen, ninety-three of Hiawatha, Kansas died peacefully July 20, 2024, at the Hiawatha Community Hospital.
Max is survived by his children Terri Schmitt (Pat), Larry Oltjen (Martha), Susan Hammond (Richard), Sandra Heline (Jeff), and Rob Oltjen (the late Julie Oltjen); ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Max is also survived by his sister Twila Rector.
Preceding him in death are his wife Marilyn of 70 years, his parents, Emmett and Margaret (Fiechter) Oltjen, 2 brothers: Robert and John Oltjen, a sister, Marilyn Oltjen Anthony, and a daughter-in-law Julie Oltjen.
Max was born December 23, 1930, near Robinson, KS. He graduated from Robinson High School in 1948 and Kansas State University in 1952 where he was a member of Farmhouse Fraternity and ROTC.
Max married his college sweetheart, Marilyn Ann Albers on June 29, 1952, and celebrated seventy blessed years of marriage. After he got married, Max joined the Army where he served for two years prior to starting his farming career.
Max was an active member of Upper Wolf Lutheran Church. He was a 3rd generation cattleman and farmer in Brown County for over 60 years. He was a member of the Kansas Livestock Association for 55 years. He was a 70-year member of The American Legion. Max was on the USD 415 school board from 1971 – 1983 allowing him to present all 5 children their high school diplomas. He was a member of Hiawatha Lodge #35 for 65 years and a Shriner for 62 years. In 1996, Max was potentate of the Moila Temple in St. Joseph, MO.
A celebration of Max’s life is planned for 10:00 am on August 8, 2024, at Upper Wolf Lutheran Church with lunch to follow at the Michael Oltjen Farm Venue , Robinson, KS. The church and event center are not air conditioned so dress accordingly.
Masonic Committal Services will be a courtesy of Masonic Lodge #35, AF&AM. Military honors will be conducted by the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.
Visitation with the family will be Wednesday, August 7, 2024, from 6:30 - 8:00 pm at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha KS, where friends may call after 12 noon Wednesday. A private burial will be held later.
