John Henry Maseman, 97, of Lincoln, passed away on December 7, 2015 in Omaha where he had been living at Heritage Pointe, an Assisted Living Memory Care Home since early in 2015. John was born February 5, 1918 in Bertrand, Nebraska to Henry and Edith (Nutzman) Maseman. The family moved to Avoca when John was a child and he grew up in Avoca, where he graduated from high school in 1935. John grew up spending his summers in Bertrand, Nebraska working on his Aunt and Uncle’s farm.
John moved to Lincoln in his late teens and at 21 he started working for Gooch Elevator and Milling as an accounts receivable clerk. John served in the Army during WWII as a Technical Sergeant with the 42nd Coast Artillery Brigade and was honorably discharged in 1945. He returned to work at Gooch’s after the war where he held various positions within the company including Plant Manager and Director of Purchasing for the feed division.
Gooch’s was acquired by Archer Daniels Midlands in 1970. After 46 years of combined service John retired as Vice President, Director of Purchasing. John was a member of First-Plymouth Church for 63 years and was active as an usher for 30+ years. John was a life-long bowler and traveled to ABC national bowling tournaments for 30 years. He bowled in city leagues until he was 94.
John and his wife Verna loved to dance and belonged to the Dance Club at Lincoln Country Club with several of their friends. John belonged to many organizations which included 60 years as a Mason, 59 years as a member of the Scottish Rite and Shriners. Upon his retirement he became very active in Gateway Sertoma where he served as President and was recognized as Sertoman of the Year in 1995-56.
John also enjoyed volunteering at Bryan Hospital for many years. John was a big fan of Nebraska football and attended many games with his brother Stuart.John will be missed by his family but they know he is now dancing with the angels and watching over them with those he loves and has met up with again.
Family members include his daughters, Denise Maseman, Wichita, KS; Lynne (Terry) Wood, Omaha; Cathie Mazour, Sioux City, IA; Kay (Carl) Norden, Parker, CO; 9 grandchildren, Thomas, Samantha, Danielle, Patrick, Mark, Patti, Jill, Brett, and Brad; 15 great-grandchildren; and sister, Charlene Reid, Syracuse, NE. John was preceded in death by both parents, his spouses, Arlene and Verna, and 6 brothers and sisters.
Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. Friday (12-11-15) First-Plymouth Church, 2000 D Street with Pastor Barb Smisek officiating.
Memorials to First-Plymouth Church or Tabitha Hospice Maseman Unit. Family will greet friends from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday (12/10/15) at Roper and Sons, 4300 ‘O’ Street.