Raymond Maas

RAY MAAS IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Raymond Henry Maas, 92, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away peacefully Sunday night, December 6, 2009, at his home. Sherry ( Maas) Hoe, his only daughter traveled from her home in Hawaii to be by his side. Ray was born February 21, 1917, one of sixteen children, to Henry and Julia Anna (Fink) Maas. Ray spent his early years between North and South Dakota learning to farm and shear sheep. He was neither a stranger to nor afraid of hard work. In 1936 he moved to Idaho Falls from Harlem, Montana. He joined is brother, Elmer, moving houses for Ben “Happy” Brothers who later became his father in law. When war broke out, Ray, along with two brothers, Oscar and Bill, volunteered to serve in the National Guard. Their 41 st division was mobilized in 1941. They trained in Australia and were sent to New Guinea and the Philippines. Another brother, Clarence, served in Europe. All four brothers came home in 1945. After returning, Ray married Ruby Brothers. They had one daughter Sherry (Ray) Hoe and Ray continued moving houses as Ray Maas House Moving with the motto , “If we can’t do it, no body else better try.” He later became a house builder and built quite a reputation for himself due to his perfectionism and attention to details. Ray’s hobbies included professional boxing, hunting, fishing, motorcycles and canning. He was a man of many talents and had a deep love and affection for his friends and family. His dearest and longest friend was Wayne Kremer with their friendship spanning 73 years! He will be missed by his friends and loved ones. Ray is survived by his wife Ruby, daughter Sherry (Ray) Hoe, Grandchildren Chara (Nadine) Hoe, and Schylar (Peter) Frederick, one brother, Oscar Mass, sisters, Helen (Gerald) Wilson, Vernette (Oscar) Guinn, Francis (Noble) Land, Alice Hawkes, and many nieces and nephews too numerous to mention by name, but loved so much. He was preceded in death by his parents, eleven brothers, four sisters and his grandson, Sean Hoe. Memorial services will be held at Ray’s home on Sunday, July 4 th. Friends and family are welcome to come and help us celebrate his life. ---------------------------------------------