Massman, James F. -- 1953 - 2011
MASSMAN, SCHULTZ, SCHOTT, SCHMITT, CLEMENS, HAND, KLING, BLACKMAN, STEADMAN, FRANA, BECKMAN, ADAMS, BECKER, KUENNEN, PAWLICKI, KLEVE
Posted By: Bill Waters (email)
Date: 11/14/2011 at 14:00:42
James F. Massman, 58, of rural Clermont died Friday, Nov. 4, 2011, at his home, surrounded with love from his wife, children, parents, some of his brothers and sisters, and friends.
Jim was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer July 22, 2011, and fought a very hard and courageous battle, including chemotherapy and radiation. He faced his illness with courage and dignity and was an inspiration to his family, friends, and to those who cared for him during that time.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Tuesday, Nov. 8, at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Clermont. Concelebrants were the Rev. Jim Brockman, the Rev. Dale Rausch, and Jim's uncle Monsignor Carl Schmitt.
Interment was held at Our Lady of Seven Dolors' St. Mary's Cemetery, Festina, near the grotto built by his grandfather, Frank Massman.
Serving as pallbearers were Jim's nephews Jeremy Massman, Justin Schultz, Brian Massman, Jacob Massman, Chris Massman, Mike Schott, Allen Massman, Andy Massman, and Trevor Massman.
Honorary pallbearers were the members of the Clermont Fire Department and Jim's fellow employees of Bodensteiner Implement's John Deere dealership.
Burnham-Wood & S.K. Rogers Funeral Home, West Union, was in charge of arrangements.
James Francis Massman was born March 6, 1953, in New Hampton. He was the firstborn of 14 children of Albin and Verna (Schmitt) Massman.
Jim was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic faith, graduating eighth grade from DeSales Catholic School in Ossian and continuing his Catholic school career until the high school closed. Jim graduated from North High School in West Union in 1971.
Jim farmed with his family, venturing out on his own for five years. In 1978, he began working for the John Deere dealership in Clermont, where he continued to work until illness caused him to become permanently disabled in July 2011.
As a young man, Jim enjoyed many fishing trips on the Mississippi and in Canada. On two occasions he travelled with friends in a converted school bus to Colorado and along the West Coast to California.
In 1980, Jim married Kathy Clemens, adopting her daughter, Kim. Three more children were born into their home, Laura, Joshua, and Jason. In 2005 they divorced.
On Aug. 10, 2011, Jim was wed to Sue Kuennen by the Fayette County Magistrate Court judge, and on Aug. 28 they had their marriage blessed into the Catholic faith by the Rev. Jim Brockman.
Jim enjoyed elk hunting out West with his family; fishing many northeast Iowa rivers, especially the Mississippi; vacations to the Colorado mountains; gardening; flying his two-seater powered parachute with his wife, family members or those who dared to enjoy flying with the eagles; playing cards; traveling; and especially playing with his grandchildren.
An active member of the Clermont Fire Department for more than 30 years, Jim recently received the Golden Axe Award for his many years of dedicated service. Often Jim could be found making pancakes or frying fish when department fundraisers were held.
Jim was also involved with the Clermont Community Club for many years, helping with their service work.
He served as an active elected city councilman for 15 years from 1986 to 2001.
In February 2010, after several years of planning, he and Sue purchased their 160-acre farm near Clermont. With the help of his family and the community, Jim was able to participate in his final corn harvest this fall.
Preceding Jim in death were his son, Joshua, on Oct. 11, 2008, of an unexpected heart attack; his grandparents, Frank and Lucy Massman of Festina and Joe and Anna Schmitt of St. Lucas.
Survivors include Sue, his partner and wife of six years; three daughters, Kim Massman of Rochester, Minn., Laura (John) Hand of Cedar Falls, and Jennifer (Missy Kling) Beckman; two sons, Jason (Kayla Steadman) Massman of Elgin and B.J. (Stephanie Frana) Beckman of Cedar Rapids; and his seven grandchildren, Tyler, Carter, Noah, Nevaeh, Christian, Devon, and Jedrek.
Also surviving are his parents, Albin and Verna Massman of New Albin; 10 brothers and three sisters, Joe (Jan) Massman of Wisconsin, David Massman of Ossian, Dan (Kathy) Massman of Atkins, Deb (Ralph Adams) Schott of Waucoma, Duane (Bev) Massman of Leland, Barb (Chuck) Schultz of Hawkeye, Jerome (Brenda) Massman of Ossian, John (Lisa) Massman of Calmar, Bill (Sherry) Massman of Ossian, Albin Jr. (Stacey) Massman of West Union, Mike Massman and Mark (Mary) Massman, both of Ossian, and Kathy (Mike Becker) of Atkins.
Additional survivors include brothers- and sisters-in-law Larry (Peggy) Kuennen of Cedar Rapids, Mary (Dean) Pawlicki of Doylestown, Ohio, Tom (Cindy) Kuennen of Cedar Rapids, Karen (Dennis) Kleve of Calmar, Brian Kuennen of Cedar Rapids, Pat (Rhonda) Kuennen of Mantorville, Minn.
Jim is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Source: Fayette County Union Nov. 14, 2011
Our Lady of Seven Dolors' St. Mary's Cemetery, Festina, Iowa
Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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