Alvin Harold Maasz was taken home to be with his Lord and Savior on March 16, 2021 at the age of 89. He was born April 13, 1931 to Edwin and Margaret (Peich) Maasz in Whitewater, WI. He was brought into God’s family through Holy Baptism on May 17, 1931. He was confirmed in his faith May 13, 1943 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Whitewater. He graduated from high school in 1949, and served in the U.S. Army from 1951 through 1953 during the Korean War at a prisoner of war camp.
On November 27, 1954 he was joined in marriage to Hazel Magdalena Hasse at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, WI. Their 66 years of marriage was blessed with 4 children: Janet (Michael) Crabtree of Sleepy Eye, MN; Jane Maasz of Chandler, AZ; Kristine (Marcus) Flygare of Mankato, MN; and Paul (Judy) Maasz of Sleepy Eye, MN.
Alvin grew up on a dairy farm near Whitewater, and started married life with Hazel on the same farm. Early in married life he accepted a position on a farm near Waseca, MN. Within the year they returned to WI. Alvin worked 6 years at a fertilizer plant. Then he was able to buy a herd of cows from an area farmer and rent the land.
In 1968 Al and Hazel were able to buy a farm of their own near Whitewater. It was Al’s dream to move to MN and farm where rocks were not the “first crop”. His dream became a reality January 1973 when the family moved to rural Sleepy Eye. Al drove both cement and implement trucks while building up a dairy herd. His special interest was red & white holsteins. He was a charter member of the Red & White Dairy Cattle Assoc.
After retiring from milking, he spent much of his time helping his son at their livestock supply store in Essig.
Alvin enjoyed music – especially church hymns and polkas. He was often heard serenading the cows during milking. Church choir was one of his favorite activities. As a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Churches first in Whitewater and then Sleepy Eye, he served the congregations in various positions. He was also on the General Board of Directors for Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School.
His witty & funny expressions for ordinary objects and activities even in his last days brought smiles to family and care givers.
Alvin was preceded in death by his parents and only sibling, Eunice Grandt. He is survived by his loving wife, Hazel, 4 children, 12 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday, March 26, 2021 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye. Pastor Chris Cordes will officiate. Burial will follow in the Home Cemetery in Sleepy Eye.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Visitation will continue from 1-2 p.m. Friday at church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
