Helen Mary Maas, age 92, of Shawano passed away on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at Maple Lane Acute Care with her loving husband Ralph at her side. She was born on December 3, 1925 in Pearson, WI, daughter and eldest of ten children of the late Henry and Contessa (Erb) Hinkens. Being the oldest of ten 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 pm on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano with 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 am 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.
