Betty Maasen

Betty Jean Koch was born near Denison, Iowa, on January 6, 1923, to Leroy Sr. and Anna (Boger) Koch. She was the second child in the family of seven. She was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. Her sister Maxine was confirmed with her in the Class of 1936. It is recorded that the sisters had to walk many miles in the cold and deep snow, but hey, they didn't mind it at all.

Before her marriage she was employed doing housekeeping for families. She met Donald Maasen at a dance at the Memorial Hall in Westside. On February 17, 1942, they were united in marriage at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. They made their home in the Manning area and were engaged in farming. In 1956, they participated in the Diamond Jubilee Parade with their three sons riding in a horse and buggy and wearing vintage clothing. She and Don also enjoyed being in a couple's bowling league. They greatly enjoyed family home gatherings with their siblings for birthdays, anniversaries and holidays.

After living near Manning for 15 years, they moved to the Westside area. They were blessed with their daughter on December 12, 1957. Six years later Betty was employed at the Ar-We-Va School in Food Service. In 1987, she retired after 24 years at that position. While residents of Westside they participated in the Community Club and many local events. They were active members of Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia and Betty was active in Ladies Aid, LWML and Camp Okoboji Auxiliary. She and Don also attended several national Lutheran Layman's League meetings and conventions and met many good friends along that path. Betty also enjoyed being a member of the Red Had Ladies.

Later in retirement, Don and Betty moved to an apartment in Manning and joined Zion Lutheran Church there. On December 26, 2007, Don passed away and Betty later moved to the Manning Plaza (now called Accura Healthcare of Manning). She kept her positive attitude and beautiful smile. She often told her family "not to worry about me, they take good care of me and I am not in pain." She dearly loved her Lord and family.

On Saturday, October 23, 2021, Betty passed away at Accura Healthcare of Manning. She was 98 years, 9 months and 17 days of age.

Besides her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband Don Maasen; daughter Darlis Vauble; son Dennis Maasen; brothers: Leroy Koch and wife Norma, Leonard Koch and wife Maxine, and Dale Koch and wife Shirley; sister Maxine and husband Herbert Namanny; brothers in law Glenn Lenz, Leonard Walde and Donald Meyer; sister in law Ladean and husband John McClellan.

Betty is survived by her sons: Dave Maasen and wife Donna of Waukee and Doug Maasen and wife Starr of Missouri Valley; daughter-in-law Sharon Maasen of Westside; son-in-law Tim Vauble of Omaha, NE; 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; two sisters: Shirley Walde of Westside and Jolene Meyer of Carroll; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at 10:30 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, Manning, Iowa

Reverend Jonathan Conner, Officiating

Congregational Hymns Sung were "Lift High The Cross" "On Eagle's Wings" "My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less" "How Great Thou Art" Timothy Conner was Organist

Casket Bearers were Brad Maasen, Shane Maasen, Lillian Vauble, Shawna Wagner, Scott Maasen, Kirk Maasen, Troy Maasen and Travis Maasen

Honorary Casket Bearers were Stacy Maasen, Shayla Maasen, Ryan Maasen, Halie Stirtz and Kalee Thompson

Interment was held at the Manning Cemetery, Manning, Iowa