Helen Mary Maas, 92, of Shawano passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, at Maple Lane Acute Care with her loving husband, Ralph, at her side. She was born on Dec. 3, 1925, in Pearson, daughter and eldest of 10 children of the late Henry and Contessa (Erb) Hinkens. Being the oldest of 10 children, she often helped care for her nine younger siblings. Helen met Ralph Richard Maas of Seymour in Kaukauna shortly after Ralph was discharged from the military. The couple was united in marriage in Kaukauna on June 7, 1947. Ralph and Helen had three children, twin girls, Judy Ann and Jo Ann, and a son, Ronald. The family lived in Appleton, Madison and Milwaukee as Ralph was transferred for work. In 1985, Ralph and Helen retired and moved to Shawano, where they enjoyed living on Shawano Lake and watching the birds. Helen loved music, dancing and shopping. She and Ralph took many Canadian fishing trips over the years and Helen was especially fond of the shore lunches. Helen was a perfect, loving wife and a wonderful mother and grandmother. She loved all children and had a special connection with them; upon seeing her, they would run into her arms to give her a hug. She was a selfless, wonderful woman who will be missed immensely by all who knew and loved her.
Helen is survived by her loving husband of over 70 years, Ralph; her children, JoAnn (Jerry) Kehl, of Sayner, and Ronald (Cathy) Maas, of Pewaukee; son-in-law, Reginald Dobogai, of Ixonia; two grandsons, Kenneth Dobogai, of Ixonia, and William (Trish) Kehl, of Wauwatosa; one great-grandson, Caleb Dobogai; brothers, Cliff Hinkens, of Kaukauna, and William “Glen” (Sue) Hinkens, of Kaukauna; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Hinkens, of Shawano, and Lindy Hinkens, of North Carolina; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Judy Ann Dobogai; her parents; five brothers; and two sisters.
Funeral services for Helen will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018, at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano with the Rev. Marty Black officiating. Burial will be in Lake Drive Cemetery in the Town of Wescott. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorials in honor of Helen can be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association
The Maas family would like to thank the staff at the Alzheimer’s Unit at Maple Lane for the wonderful care they provided Helen for the last seven years.