Maass, John William 1962-2009

MAASS, HONEY

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 7/8/2009 at 12:25:22

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, July 8, 2009

John William Maass, 46, of Ventura, Calif., and formerly of Remsen, departed to be with his Lord and Savior in Heaven on Sunday, May 10, 2009. John courageously battled colon cancer for the past two years, and passed away peacefully with his family by his side.

John was born Oct. 11, 1962 in Le Mars. He grew up on his family's farm south of Remsen. John was baptized Nov. 11, 1962, and confirmed April 24, 1977, at Christ Lutheran Church in Remsen.

He was active in 4-H, and excelled in drama and music. He graduated from Remsen-Union High School in 1981, and graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering in 1986. In 1987 he moved to Long Beach, Calif., to work for McDonnell Douglas. Soon after moving to Long Beach he met his future wife, Lisa. In 1991 John graduated from Pepperdine University with an MBA.

John and Lisa moved to Ventura in 1993 and were married in 1997. John worked for several different electronics companies in Ventura County in the areas of project management, sales, and marketing. He was most recently employed by Interlink Electronics in Camarillo as a marketing manager.

John had a strong Christian faith and was actively involved in his church, St. John's Lutheran of Oxnard, Calif. He served as an elder for a number of years, and also had the opportunity to share his faith by preaching several sermons. He was very generous with his time and talent.

John was a devoted husband, father, son, and brother. He was happiest when spending time with his family. His 2-year-old son Noah was his pride and joy. John was a kind and compassionate man, with a wonderful sense of humor. He loved people, and he loved to make them laugh.

In addition to Lisa and Noah, John is survived by his father and mother, Arnold and Sharon Maass of Remsen; brother, Terry and his wife Amy Maass, and nieces and nephews, Megan, Nicole, Andrew and Josh, of Remsen; brother, Mark and his wife Susan Maass, and niece, Kaitlyn, of Columbus, Neb.; father and mother-in-law, Paul and Monica Honey, of Long Beach, Calif.; sister-in-law, Linda and her husband Vinnie Lefante, and nieces, Anna and Allie, of Madison, Conn.; and brother-in-law, David and his wife Aida Honey, and nephew and nieces, Mike, Megan, and Mallorie, of Long Beach, Calif. John is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service was held for John at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at St. John's Lutheran Church Oxnard, Calif., with Pastor Mark Beyer officiating.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 11 at Christ Lutheran Church, Remsen, with Pastor Dennis Martens officiating. There will be no visitation prior to the service. John's ashes will be buried privately by his immediate family in the Remsen Community Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Fisch Funeral Home & Monument of Remsen.