Melvin Maas

Melvin A. Maas, 84, of Van Wert, Ohio, went to his Heavenly home at 10:42 p.m. Thursday, May 10, 2018 in Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center. He was born July 2, 1933 in Menno, South Dakota to the late Edmund and Hedwig (Schamber) Maas. On June 7, 1957, Mel married Carol Hershberger and she survives.​

​Mel is survived by his four children, Collette (Steve) Carcione of Van Wert, Steve Maas of Fort Wayne, IN, Margie (Don) Taylor of Troy and Diane (Don) Snyder of Findlay; seven grandchildren, Storm (Matt) Mercer, Heidi (Jeff) Measley, Ebony Carcione, Brett Carcione, Melissa (Chris) Taylor, Donnie Taylor and Danielle Snyder; five great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; a sister, Darlene VanMetre of Van Wert; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Hedwig; brother, Gilbert Maas; and sister, Bernice Slane.

​Mel attended Menno High School and Teacher’s College, both in South Dakota. He served his country proudly in the United States Army during the Korean War, stationed in Linz, Austria from 1953-1955, as a German-speaking interpreter and military policeman. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed trap shooting, hunting, fishing and was an excellent archer, competing in many archery tournaments, one alongside Fred Bear. Mel also enjoyed square dancing and was a fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes. Most of all, Mel was a wonderful family man and he loved spending time with his family.

​Mel was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, in Van Wert. He was also a proud member of the American Legion Harvey Lewis Post #346 in Ohio City, serving a term as County Commander. One of Mel’s fondest memories was being a member of the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in 2011. Friends will be received for a Memorial Visitation from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday (May 13, 2018) at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home& Crematory in Van Wert, OH. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, (May 14, 2018) with Rev. Paul Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Ohio City, with graveside Military Honors rendered by the Ohio City American Legion post.  Memorial donations may be made to the American Legion Harvey Lewis Post #346. Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

​The family would like to thank his hospice caregivers caring for him both at home and also those at Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center for their wonderful care and kindness.

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