Leo Fredrick Maas

LEO FREDRICK MAAS

Leo Fredrick Maas, 79, devoted and beloved husband, father, and grandfather was gloriously called home by his Father in heaven on November 29, 2018.

Leo was born on March 20, 1939, the son of Paul and Emma (Krey) Maas in Wasioja, MN. He graduated from Lyle High School in 1957. In 1957 he joined the National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1959. In 1958 he moved to Claremont and started working at the Claremont Lumber Yard.

On April 10, 1960, he was united in marriage to Penny Birum in Osage, IA. Together, Leo and Penny established their home in Claremont MN. Leo worked at VonRuden Manufacturing in Claremont and Owatonna MN as a machinist for over 30 years and later Cybex Fitness in Owatonna for 10 years, until his retirement in 2004. Helping others was always important to Leo and he passed that legacy on to his children. He was able to do that while a member of the Claremont Fire Department and Ambulance for 29 years. Even after retirement from the fire department he continued to show his pride in that by obtaining an expansive firefighter memorabilia collection. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and shared those interests with his family. He also enjoyed many camping trips through the years throughout Minnesota with his immediate and extended family (Larry and Mary Behsman and children Thomas and Troy) and friends. Leo and Penny felt a strong draw to the Mississippi River Valley where they would often make day trips up and down the river enjoying the many sights and attractions, especially looking for bald eagles. They would often include their grandchildren on these trips affirming that family was the cornerstone of Leo’s life. This was also shown in his love of supporting and attending his grandchildren’s extra-curricular activities. Often times during the spring you could find Leo in the rural areas of Claremont, looking for and picking wild asparagus that he loved to share with his family and friends.

Leo is survived by his wife, Penny Maas, Claremont, MN; children, Mark Maas, Claremont, MN; Ann (James) Trihey, Mantorville, MN; Matthew (Juliet) Maas, Dodge Center, MN; grandchildren Rayelle (Justin), Jordan (Alejandra), Abby, Mariah (Alan), Dylan; step grandchildren James and Jason; great-grandchildren Noah and Nevaeh; 3 sisters; Esther (Lloyd), Rosella (Dick) Frances, and a brother, Lyle.

He was preceded in death by his grandson Logan Maas, parents, and a brother Roy Maas.

Visitation will be 4:00 -7:00 p.m. Monday, December 10, 2018, at the Grace Lutheran Church, 404 Central Avenue North in Dodge Center and one hour before the service at the church on Tuesday. The memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at the Grace Lutheran Church with Reverend Timothy Chase officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the family.

Blessed be his memory.

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