Henry Maassel

Henry Maassel, oldest son of H. Frederick and Anna (Harras) Maassel was born on February 27, 1887 in Napoleon township. When he was five years old the family moved to Monroe township, near the Turkeyfoot Creek. Being the oldest he had to help the family in many chores and soon was farming alongside his father and grandfather. He attended the DunbarRohrs school and was also confirmed at Hope Lutheran church, Hamler.

Henry Maassel and Minnie Arps, married February 26, 1914.

On February 26, 1914 he married Minnie Arps, who was born on May 11, 1888. She being the daughter of Fred and Sophia (Panning) Arps. After their marriage they moved to a neighboring farm which had a log house on it. They both worked hard at farming and were known by all for their friendliness. Henry was also known by his family, friends, and neighbors as someone who could dehorn their cattle, do their winter butchering and shear sheep. Minnie and Henry had six children, all being baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church. They also all attended the one room Dunbar-Rohrs school.

Carl, the oldest was born on July 4, 1917. Being the oldest child and also a son meant extra chores as he worked with the other men as they farmed. On January 15, 1940 he married Hildegard Rosebrock. She was the daughter of Carl and Mary (Gerken) Rosebrock. The new Maassel family first lived in Harrison township and then moved to their present home on County Road T, north of Napoleon. Carl has always farmed and has had several farm related jobs. At the present time he does custom work for his neighbors and friends. They have five children. Marlin, born December 28, 1941, is a foreman for a construction company. He married Carolyn Bostelman and they have three sons, Kevin, Todd and Corey. They live at Rt. 3, Defiance, Ohio. Loren, born April 17, 1943, is an operator for a construction company. He married Joyce Kessler and they have three children, Dean, Michael and Krista. They live at Rt. 1, Napoleon. Donald, born July 31, 1944, works as a salesman for a agriculture chemical company. He married Karen Gerken and they have three children, Cathy, Sara and Jason. They live in Napoleon. Elmer, born August 6, 1947, works as a mechanic for a farm equipment dealer. He married Patricia Aschemeier and they have two children, Jeffrey and Jennifer. They live at Rt. 4, Napoleon. Susan, born June 17, 1960, is a student at Four County Vocational School.

The second son, Arthur, was born May 27, 1919. During World War II he was drafted and served forty-five months at Guam without a furlough. When he returned, he farmed and worked for a ditching company and later in a factory. At present Art works at Fulton Tubing in Archbold, Ohio and lives at rural Stryker. His wife, Shirley died in May, 1974.

Clara, the only daughter, was born August 15, 1921. She married Kenneth Hall on September 28, 1946. Kenneth was the son of Arkie and Nellie (I3lythe) Hall. The Hall's farm and live on County Road N. They have five children. Robert, born October 5, 1948, is the Henry County 4-H agent. He married Lee Ann Hahn and they live on State Rt. 109. Thomas, born February 4, 1952, served in the U.S. Air Force and is now a student at Auburn University in Alabama. Terry, born September 14, 1955, works for a construction company and is married to Nedra Yates. They have one child, Joann and live in Napoleon. Sharon, born December 21, 1959, and Carol, born January 31, 1964, are both students in the Patrick Henry School District.

The next son, Elmer, was born on August 20, 1924, attended high school and was drafted during World War II. The news of V-E Day brought joy and relief to the American people, but to the family grief, as Elmer was killed on this date, April 27, 1945 in Germany.

Herman, better knowp as "Ham", was born July 26, 1927. He is a carpenter for the Hamler Lumber Company and farms in Harrison township. He lives on County Road N, a short distance from his sister, Clara Hall.

Fred, the youngest, was born June 5, 1929. He married Norma Gerken on October 13, 1951. She is the daughter of Otto and Margaret (Damman) Gerken. Fred works at S.K. Wayne in Defiance and also farms the home place where they live on State Rt. 281. They have four children. Diane, born June 14, 1953, married Randy Rohrs. They have one child, Andrew, and they live at Rt. 4, Napoleon. Mary Lou, born April 9, 1956, is employed as a computer operator. Larry, born December 11, 1957, is a student at Ohio State University; and Judy, born February 22, 1960, is a student at Patrick Henry School District.

Like many other families Henry and Minnie worked hard, enjoyed what pleasures life would grant them and were faithful church members. Minnie died on March 27, 1952 at the age of sixty-four years of cancer. She is buried in Immanuel Lutheran cemetery. In February of 1955 Henry married Emma Shaper but a tragic auto accident took the life of Henry on September 16, 1957 at the age of seventy years. He, too, is buried in the church cemetery. His widow lives at Rt. 3, Napoleon.

Submitted by: Mrs. Donald Maassel