Melvin A. Masemann

August 28, 1926 ~ September 7, 2013
Melvin A. Masemann, age 87, of Alta Vista, IA, passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at Linn Haven Rehab and Health Care in New Hampton, IA. Melvin Alfred Masemann was born August 28, 1926, the son of Fred and Edna (Shuhert) Masemann on a farm near Alta Vista, IA. He was baptized October 3, 1926 at Zion Lutheran Church and remained an active member of the Lutheran faith throughout his life. He graduated in 1943 from Alta Vista High School. On April 28, 1956, he was united in marriage to Marion Jeane Stueber and they later divorced. He resided in the Alta Vista area throughout his lifetime where he was actively engaged in farming. Melvin is a Korean War veteran having served his country as a light anti-aircraft artillery fire control crewman from 1953-1955. He received the National Defense Service Medal during his time of service. He was very proud that he was able to march as a veteran in the Memorial Day parade for 49 consecutive years after his discharge. Melvin was actively involved in Farm Bureau, having served as a Farm Bureau president. He was a member of the Chickasaw County Republican Party and a life-long member of Zion Lutheran Church. He served in various church council positions including secretary and treasurer. Melvin and his family were recognized as the State of Iowa Farm Bureau Family of the year in 1971 and he was proud to be recognized as the owner of a Family Century Farm. He enjoyed sports and was an avid Chicago Cubs baseball fan and Iowa Hawkeye Football fan. He also enjoyed reading, music and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Melvin is survived by one son Kevin Masemann and his significant other Jennifer Sobotka of Nevada, IA; two daughters Sandra Wettach and husband Dr. David Wettach of Muscatine, IA and Pamela Brown and husband Chris Brown of Waukee, IA; four grandchildren Taylor Wettach of Mikata-gun, Hyogo, Japan, Collin Wettach, Monica and Eric Brown. He is also survived by his niece Nancy Dominick of Salida, CO and nephew Randy Erion of Decorah, IA. Melvin is preceded in death by his parents Fred and Edna Masemann, his sister and brother-in-law Delors and Orlo Erion and one granddaughter Valerie Brown.
Cemetery:
Burial will be in the Union Cemetery at Alta Vista with Rich Miller, Gary Recker, Gale Erion, Dan Franzen, Bob Savre and Arden Lembcke serving as casket bearers. Military rites provided by Alta Vista VFW Paul Johann Post # 4069.
Memorials can be made to Zion Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society.
Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00pm on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at the Conway-Markham Funeral Home in Elma and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Funeral services will be at 10:30AM on Thursday, September 12, 2013, at Zion Lutheran Church in Alta Vista with Rev. Vincent Fricke and Rev. Kevin Frey officiating.
My condolences to Kevin, Sandy, Pam and their families and loved ones. So sorry for your loss. I have wonderful memories of Uncle Melvin and times at your farm. Wish I could see you all more often and share old memories. Just know you all are in my prayers and I send my love. Dee
Our sympathies to the family. We have many memories of Melvin. He was a good neighbor to us. He always greeted us with a warm smile and friendly visit. Always asked about the family, especially Jolene. He always enjoyed her music talents. May he rest in peace. If there’s anything we can be of help with, we’re just a phone call away. Take care.
Please accept our deepest sympathy. May those precious memories be foremost in your hearts and minds during this of grief and pain.
( Isaiah 25:8)
Kevin, Sandy and Pam – I’m so sorry to read of Melvin’s passing. I haven’t seen him in quite a few years, but I will always remember his big smile, cheery hello and willingness to chat for awhile. I don’t think I ever saw him without a smile. Please accept my deepest sympathy and my thoughts are with you. Ann
Kevin, we are so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. May you and your family find comfort and peace in this time, knowing that he is no longer in pain. You will find strength and joy with your family, friends and loved ones through all of your memories and great times together.
Sincerely, Ted & Kim Heggen
The Masemann Family, You have my sympathy in the loss of your father. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Janice (Tilkes) Bouska
to the Family and Friends of Melvin….He was such a sweetie to wait on here at the FSA office. I truly enjoyed his sunny disposition and smile! He was truly one of the best! May his memory be a comfort to you!
Kevin – We are very sorry for your loss. We would very much like to attend the visitation and/or the funeral service. It is just not going to work for us to do so. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will plan to visit sometime in the days and weeks ahead.
Kevin, Sandy and Pam: My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. I will always remember your dad and visits to the farm. He was always so kind and always greeted you with a smile. And even though I wasn’t around much, never forgot my name or who I was.
My sympathy to Sandy, Kevin & Pam.
Melvin & Milton paled around together years ago. Now we have lost both of them. Bet they are togather again up there.
You are in our prayers! You had a wonderful Dad, Every time we visited with him, never did we hear him complain and was so appreciated for every who cared for him. He was my Hospice patient for quite some time and I feel he did more for me than I did for him He will be missed. I’m sure he is enjoying every minute now in heaven.
Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. This is one of the most difficult things we must face in our life. May it comfort you to know that others are deeply touched by your loss. God assures us at Psalms 34:18 that he is near to those broken in heart and those crushed in spirit he saves. Jesus also promises that we will be able to see our loved ones again. Jesus own words found at John 5:28,29 tells us there will be a resurrection. What a wonderful hope! God says that soon on the earth there will be no more pain, suffering and especially death at Revelation 21:3-5 We anxiously await the day when we will no longer lose those we love. May these bible thoughts bring you comfort at this most difficult time.