EVANSVILLE - Wilna Irene Maas, age 97, passed away at home on January 25, 2009. She was born on February 8, 1911 in Brooklyn Township in Green County, to Alvin and Vernie (Trow) Francis. She attended the Kelly School and graduated from Albany High School in 1927. Wilna pursued a teaching career by attending the Green County Normal where she obtained her teaching license in 1929. She was employed at the Peterson School and at the Krause School near Peace United Methodist Church on County C. Wilna married Glenn Maas on August 17, 1941 at a house ceremony in the Durner home at 125 N. First Street in Evansville. They were a devoted farming couple for their entire married lives, always living on Pleasant Prairie Road. Wilna played a traditional role in her marriage, always focusing on her family and encouraging her children in music and education.

Preceding Wilna in death were her husband, Glenn, in 2005 and her brother, Floyd Francis.

Wilna is survived by two children, Donald (Cheryl Deininger) and Carol (Gene) Prudhon. Also surviving are tow grandchildren, Ann (Jeff) Johnson and Randall Prudhon; one great-grandchild, Lucy Johnson; and several nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2009 at the Ward Funeral Home, Evansville, Wisconsin, with Reverend Jo Bierer officiating. Burial will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery, Evansville, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the time of service on Thursday. Memorials may be directed to the Evansville United Methodist Church or HospiceCare, Inc.