Willi Heinz Maas Obituary
Willi Heinz Maas, age 80, of Benton Harbor, passed away at home on May 27, 2024 to his home in heaven.
A Christian Funeral will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 1965 Broadway Ave., Benton Harbor, with Rev. David Rosenau officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the Family beginning at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday at the Church. Memorial donations in Willi Heinz Maas name may be made to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church or Michigan Lutheran High School. Those wishing to sign Willi Heinz’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Willi Heinz was born January 7, 1944 in Wola-Kamocka, Poland to Leonhard & Erna Maas. After completing his education in Germany, he came to the United States in 1962 for a visit where he met Elli, whom he married at St Matthew's Lutheran church Benton Harbor on August 23rd, 1964. W. Heinz furthered his education at Lake Michigan College where he completed his journeymen certification in tool & die. W. Heinz was also proud to become a United States citizen. He was employed at several area tool & die locations over the years, most recently at Hanson Mold, Wollin Products and retired from Standard Tool & Die.
W. Heinz was a long-time active member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church where he served on numerous committees, and as a trustee over the years. He was currently a member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church when it merged with St. Matthew’s. W. Heinz had served on the board and helped in many ways at Michigan Lutheran High School; he was also a member of the DANK.
In his free time, W. Heinz played chess, watched soccer, was outdoors, and worked in his barn and the backyard.
W. Heinz was a proud Opa to 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. W. Heinz and Elli enjoyed years of watching them at many sporting events and concerts, and taking them to parks and museums.
W. Heinz and Elli enjoyed their years together traveling across the United States in the family camper visiting state and national parks, cherishing the beauty of nature. They also took numerous trips to Germany to visit family. Most recently they enjoyed nightly trips to Silver Beach to enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan.
Those that met W. Heinz, will forever remember him as being cheerful, positive, up-beat and talking with anyone.
W. Heinz is survived by his wife of nearly sixty years, Elli (Bonkowski) Maas; his children-Thomas (Gretchen) Maas of Stevensville, Susan (Rev. David) Rosenau of Yalaha, FL; grandchildren - Taylor (Lance) Dehne, Tommy, Hailey & Reese Maas; Brittany Rosenau, Amanda (Jacob) Zautner, Luke (Holly) Rosenau, Katie & Ella Rosenau; and two great-grandchildren Ava & Lily Zautner; his sister Mila Kirchner and nephew Michael Kirchner, both of Germany. He was preceded by his parents.
