Max Morrison Obituary

Max E. Morrison passed away peacefully at Windsor Manor in Indianola on October 9, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Max was born on October 29, 1927, in Webster, Iowa, to Mabel and Ellis Morrison, sandwiched between older brother Kenneth and younger sister Beverly. He grew up in Keswick, Iowa, playing both basketball and hooky, and graduated from Keswick High School in 1945. Following a 16-month stint in the U.S. Coast Guard, Max enrolled at Iowa State Teachers College and completed his BA Degree in 1949. He later completed his MA in 1957 and his PHD in 1968, both from the University of Iowa. Max taught for ten years in Iowa schools. The last five of those he served as high school principal and then superintendent in Parkersburg, Iowa. In 1961, Max moved his family to Indianola and joined the Iowa Department of Education in Des Moines, where he worked until his retirement.

Max married Mary Sue Rigdon in 1951 and helped raise their children in Indianola. The Morrison back yard was a constant hub of whiffle ball games and neighborhood barbecues. His kids (and their friends) will tell you he was lots of bark, no bite, and genuinely loved them, in spite of the fact that they were all quite like him. Max eventually became quite fond of his kids, especially when they began providing him with grandchildren. His mantra was always, "If I'd known having grandchildren was so much fun, I'd have had them first." He was a beloved grandpa, known for his pancakes, his year-long refusal to purchase cable TV, and his good-humored teasing.

After retiring, Max became active in the Indianola Community, dedicating his efforts to improving services for both children and seniors. He co-chaired a bond issue for the new Middle School, served on the school board for three years, and co-chaired the campaign drive to build the Chris Street Memorial Gym. Additionally, he campaigned for a new Indianola Senior Center and served as a member of the Prairie Meadows Grant Committee for five years. His final act of community activism was his relentless campaign for a working soft-serve ice cream machine at Windsor Manor. It has since been christened "Max" in his honor. Max spent his final year at Windsor Manor in Indianola, and his family is extremely grateful for the loving care he received.

Max was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. Whether it was the beloved various neighbors in his 64 years as an Indianola West-Sider, the monthly gatherings of the couple's bridge group, or the daily company of his cherished coffee group, Max always enjoyed the banter and the friendships these groups provided. The Morrison family gatherings were always large, always loud, and always filled with laughter. He was responsible for all of it, guiding us all with the attitude, "take life seriously, just not yourself."

He will be forever missed.

Max was preceded in death by his wife Mary Sue, and daughter Deborah. Survivors include his loving companion, Mary Jo Bruett; daughters, Donna Kreamer of Indianola and Carol (Don) DePue of Trabuco Canyon, CA; sons, Richard (Joy) Morrison of Wilmette, IL and Mike (Alyson) Morrison of Clive; ten grandchildren, Dawn (Kevin) Barnes, Joy Ashbaugh (Chris Wise), Alison (Dan) Flaherty, Mathew (Cristina) Morrison, Michelle Morrison, Elliot Morrison, Danielle (Scott) Raber, Brett (Barbara) DePue, Cori DePue (Andy Hill) and Kelsey (Bert) Collin; eighteen great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held on December 23, 2025, with details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Simpson Guild or the Indianola Hope Foundation.