Howard R. Maas age 85 of rural Blanchardville, WI passed away Friday January 31, 2025 at SSM Health in Monroe, WI with his family by his side. Howard was born April 26, 1939, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI the son of Ralph and Ruth (Collins) Maas. He grew up in Brooklyn, WI and attended 1st through 8th grade at Butts Corners, a one room schoolhouse just down the road from his childhood home. He then attended Brooklyn High School where he graduated in 1957. After graduation, Howard enlisted in the National Guard. Following his time of service, he learned to fly airplanes and eventually was a flight instructor. In 1971 Howard started his first business, Maas World Travel, where he found his love for travel and adventure and worked as a travel agent until 1980. He was united in marriage to Laura Rossing in May of 1981 in Madison, WI. In 1981 Howard bought the Sun Prairie Golf Course and owned and operated it until 1987. In 1989 Howard and Laura started Four Lakes Travel where they provided charter trips and travel plans to many people until their retirement in 1998. Following his retirement, Howard worked for Swiss Colony Brands during the holiday season until 2018. Over the years he cherished the friendships and the many adventures he had experienced.
Howard is survived by his loving wife, Laura Rossing of Argyle; his children: Julie Maas of Libertyville, IL and Thomas Maas of Argyle, WI and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: Ralph Maas in 1989 and Ruth (Collins) Maas in 1991, his parents-in-law: Bill Rossing in 2003 and Ardyth (Schroeder) Rossing in 2005 and one brother, Paul Maas in 2017
He had a passion for traveling and had the privilege to travel throughout the United States and around the world. In his free time, Howard, enjoyed golfing and bowling in various leagues over the years. In his downtime you could find him with his nose in a good book, as he was a voracious reader. Above all, Howard loved his family and the time they had spent together. The memory of Howard will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held at Yellowstone Golf Course 15750 Old Q Rd #9395, Blanchardville, WI 53516) on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 12:00PM until 4:00PM. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Yellowstone Golf Course at 1:00PM with Rev. Daniel Bohlman presiding. A private family burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery at a later date. The Erickson Funeral Home in Argyle is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
