Gilbert Maas

Gilbert August Maas was born April 17, 1921 near Walnut Grove, MN on the family farm in Redwood County, the son of William E. and Lilly (Kroeshel) Maas. He resided on the farm with his family until he was 14 and attended country school district #59. Gilbert then moved with his family to Sleepy Eye and farmed north east of Sleepy Eye. At the age of 20 Gilbert starting farming east of Sleepy Eye in Milford Township. He married Mildred Christensen on June 16, 1943 at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Evan. They moved off the farm and into Sleepy Eye in 1993. Gilbert was a member of FFA and was the 1st President, drove for Heartland Express, was a school board member for country school district #21, a member of Pork Producers, Farm Bureau and Sleepy Eye Lion Club. Gilbert was also a member of St. John Lutheran Church and served on many boards and AFS. He enjoyed farming, playing cards, and spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife - Mildred Maas of Sleepy Eye; children - William (Janice) Maas, Jeanne (Ron) Lorensberg of Fairmont, LeAnn (Brad) Berkner of Sleepy Eye, and Robert (Melissa) Maas of Sleepy Eye; 11 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; a brother - Lester (Lois) Maas of Sleepy Eye; and a brother-in-law - Donald Radel of Sleepy Eye. He is preceded in death by his parents; son - Brian; and sisters - Alice Radel and Lucille Neal.