Christopher’s Obituary Christopher Mark Maassen, age 53, of Solon Springs WI, formerly of Washburn, passed away peacefully Sunday February 3, 2019 after complications from a stroke. Chris was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Ashland WI, to Ralph and Alice Maassen on April 23, 1965. He was baptized at the St Louis Catholic Church May 2, 1965.
He attended Ashland Public Schools and New Horizons’ Care Center during which time he was a regular participant in the Indianhead Special Olympics. Since his parents’ deaths in 2001 and 2003 Chris has received wonderful, loving care from several dedicated providers including most recently Mary and Todd Tyson, Mary Ann Pettit, and Sharon Bradle. Also, over Chris’s lifetime the staff at Bayfield County Department of Human Services has provided outstanding support to Chris and great advice to his guardians.
Thank you. Chris will be sadly missed by his siblings: Ron (Kay) Maassen, Mary Sue Maassen (Rick Hanke), Jane (Bill) Smuck, Joe (Linda) Maassen, Anne Maassen (Dale Langer), Jim (Karen) Maassen, Tom (Lori) Maassen, and Tim Maassen (Ann Wade), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Father Emmanuel Asamoah-Bekoe will officiate a Mass of Christian Burial at the St. Louis Catholic Church in Washburn, WI, on Friday February 8, 2019 at 11 AM.
Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Chris will be buried next to his parents. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Chris’s name to Avery’s Gift Baby Bag Program, Celebrating Down Syndrome One Baby at a Time in care of Kylee Staebell at 5698 Pinewood Rd Eau Claire, WI 54701, or the Region 3 Indianhead Special Olympics at 2023 Fairfax Street, Eau Claire, WI 54701.
Today is not a sad day. It is most certainly a blessed one. Chris did what few souls could ever do.
He endured a life that required a great sacrifice on his part – a life that he was strong enough to handle – and he did it beautifully. His burden was made easier because of his incredibly loving family and caregivers. Chris’ relationship with his siblings, parents, caregivers, and everyone fortunate enough to be in his sphere of influence was full of mutual blessings.
Because of Chris, we are reminded to be more grateful, compassionate, tolerant, and loving. Today, especially, may we be reminded of these lessons. Not only did he give abundantly to his loved ones, but also in return he received continuous encouragement, love, and support making his jagged journey through this world considerably smoother.
May he bathe in the eternal peace that envelops him now. He is home, reunited in unconditional love with his mother and father. Yes it is a sacred day indeed.
With Love, Respect, and Admiration, WE TIP OUR HATS TO “THE KING”.
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