Maasdam, Leonard John

MAASDAM, MATHES, WIELARD

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 7/18/2005 at 20:22:24

Funeral services for Leonard John Maasdam, 98, of Newton were held April 14, 2003 at Heartland Reformed Church in Pella, the Pastor Ross Davidson officiating. Music provided by organist Kara Vander Werff.

Interment was at Oakwood Cemetery in Pella. Casket bearers were Craig Maasdam, Ryan Maasdam, Timothy Schoon, Mark Schoon, Scott Kramer, John Kramer.

Mr. Leonard John Maasdam, the son of Leendert and Henrietta (Mathes) Maasdam, was born November 18, 1904 in Jasper County. He died on Thursday, April 10, 2003 at the Skiff Medical Center in Newton.

On January 24, 1934, Leonard was united in marriage with Gertrude Wielard in Sully. Leonard was a farmer and sorghum maker. From 1926 to 1998, he ran the Maasdam Sorghum Mill. He was a founding member of the National Sweet Sorghum Producers and Processors Association. Leonard was also an inventor, working with Vermeer Manufacturing. He invented the first titling machine and helped invent irrigation systems and a trencher for Vermeer. He learned to pilot a plane in his fifties and traveled to the Holy Land, Japan, Holland and other locations.

After living in the Sully area for over fifty years. Leonard and Gertrude moved to Pella in 1957. In the 1970's they moved north of Pella where they built a round house, and later a second round house. At the age of 90 he finished construction of a 60 foot iron wheel sculpture located north of Sully. Leonard was a member of the Heartland Reformed Church. Many will remember Leonard drove his tractor to church after he was no longer licensed to drive a car. Gertrude passed away on January 23, 1191. For the part ten months, Leonard has resided in Newton.

Leonard is survived by a son and his wife, Lawrence and Melanie Maasdam of Clarion; two daughters and their husbands: Darlene and Paul Schoon of St. Louis and Marjorie and Charles Kramer of Lynnville; eight grandchildren and their spouses, and twelve great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leendert and Henrietta Maasdam; his wife, Gertrude Maasdam; two brothers: Henry Maasdam and Fred Maasdam; a sister, Marie Vanden Hoek; and two grandsons: Curtis Maasdam and Larry Maasdam.

Arrangements were handled by Garden Chapel funeral Home in Pella.

Memorials may be made to Round House Mission Fund of the Heartland Reformed Church.

The Pella Chronicle, April 21,2003