Harris John Maas

Harris John Maas was born on the farm north of Schleswig, Iowa, September 13, 1924, the son of Emil and Clara Ehler Maas. He was raised on the farm and received his education in the Schleswig Schools from which he graduated with the class of 1941. Following high school he attended National Business Training in Sioux City before returning to farming at Schleswig. On March 1, 1948, Harris was united in marriage with LaDonna Salmon at the Methodist Parsonage in Shelby, Iowa. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Mary and Ruth. They made their home on the farm at Schleswig until moving to Denison in 1970. Harris was briefly employed as an L.P.N. at Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison before receiving his R.N. Degree from St. Joseph School of Nursing in Sioux City in 1972, specializing in Coronary Intensive Care. He then was employed at Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison until retiring in April of 1989. Some of the happiest, and most fulfilling, years of his life were spent in the nursing profession. Harris spent his retirement years in Denison where enjoyed working in his lawn, antiquing, grocery shopping, collecting cookbooks, and especially cherished the time spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a member of the United Church of Christ in Schleswig, Iowa Nurses Association and enjoyed his retired co-workers coffee group. Harris died Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at his home in Denison. At the time of his death he had been blessed with 84 years, 6 months and 12 days. Harris was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Clara Maas, son-in-law, Alan Disburg, an infant granddaughter and brother-in-law, Harwin Jess. Survivors include his wife of over 61 years, LaDonna Maas of Denison, two daughters, Mary Disburg of Denison and Ruth and husband, James Gentry of Lincoln, Nebraska, four grandchildren and their families, Christopher and Julie Bliesman and children, Zachary and Jordan of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Ann and John Thomas and children, Camden, Joshua and Colten of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Sara and Lou Moulton and their daughter, Elise of Omaha, Nebraska and Mary Pattavina and friend, Nick Krauter of Lincoln, Nebraska, one sister, Dorothy Jess of Ankeny, Iowa, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Cremation rites have been accorded and Harris has been entrusted to his family. Memorial services were held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 17, 2009, at the United Church of Christ in Schleswig, Iowa, with Pastor Chris Burtnett officiating. Music for the service included the congregation singing "Amazing Grace" and "Jesus Loves Me" and Natasha Neubauer singing "An Evening Prayer" with Tammy Neubauer serving as organist. Following the service all in attendance were invited to a celebration dinner in the fellowship hall prepared and served by the Women?s Guild. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home, www.pfannebecker.com , in Denison assisted the Maas family with arrangements.