In Memoriam: Rev. John Maas

1926 - 2006

Rev. John Maas passed away at his home in Grand Rapids, Mich., from a cardiovascular disorder on Sunday, Jan 29, 2006. He was 79.

Born in Harrison, S.D., in 1926, John joined the U.S. Armed Forces at age of 19, serving for almost two years in Japan. In 1950 he enrolled at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, and continued his studies at Calvin Theological Seminary, from which he graduated in 1957. He married Lavonne Nieuwenhuis in 1953.

In 1957 the couple accepted a call to the Christian Reformed church in Woden, Iowa, which they served till 1963. That year they accepted a call from First CRC, Everett, Wash. Two more churches were to profit from their faithful ministry: South Olive ( Mich.) CRC (1972) and Bethel CRC, Marion, S.D. (1983). They retired in 1991.

Rev. Maas will be remembered as a devout pastor. He felt deeply about his calling and ministered with a quiet steadfastness to those entrusted to his care. He moved among his parishioners with unassuming kindness and patience. He loved the Word of God. His preaching touched people’s hearts. This faithful pastor experienced the service of the Lord as the joy of his life, regardless of its demands.

He is survived by his wife, Lavonne; by their children: Mark and Ann Maas, Mary and Richard Hayward, Joel and Sandy Maas, and Paul and Julie Maas; and by 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.