Elmer L. Maassen

Elmer Louis Maassen, age 85 of Linn, passed away Friday, August 28, 2009, at his residence.

He was born May 4, 1924, in Frankenstein, a son to the late Leo and Elizabeth (Boillot) Maassen. Elmer graduated from high school in Bonnots Mill and never lost his love of learning, especially in history. He instilled his love of books in his children. While in grade school, Elmer read the entire encyclopedia. He also took accounting classes at Lincoln University in Jefferson City.

During World War II, he served with honor in the Pacific Theater as a Radarman 2nd Class on the U.S.S. Weaver.

On December 29, 1945, he was united in marriage to Marjorie Herndon in Linn. She preceded him in death on September 7, 2003. One son, Ken Maassen, also preceded him in death.

Survivors include: one son, Mark and his wife Renee Maassen of Overland Park, KS; three daughters: Kathy Boessen and her husband Allan of Troy, MO; Janice Kliethermes and her husband Bill of Linn; and Anita Pabon and her husband Rudy of Kansas City, MO; one daughter-in-law: Jennifer Maassen of Plattsmouth, NE; two brothers: Homer Maassen of Linn and Victor Maassen of St. Peters, MO; one sister: Martha Bret of Tipton, MO: 12 grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Three brothers preceded him in death: Harold, Wilfred and William Maassen.

Elmer was a member of St. George Catholic Church in Linn. He was involved in many community and church activities: St. George Men's Sodality, Parish Council and School Board; the Knights of Columbus as a 4th Degree Knight; several offices in VFW Post 4756; and a member of the water district board.

Having seen the world while serving in the Navy, Elmer loved to travel, whether on an annual float trip on the Current River with his children and grandchildren, or on a 40th anniversary trip to Hawaii. In recent years he was grateful to be able to attend the 2004 dedication of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., and to travel to Mexico with his children in 2007.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, August 30, 2009, at Morton Chapel in Linn.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 31, 2009, at St. George Church with Fr. I.C. Medina as the celebrant.

Interment will follow with full military honors in the St. George Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. George School.