Wynne Maas was a man who lived life on his own terms. At the same time, he made friends everywhere he went. An avid sportsman in his younger days, he loved to sit around the fire at Camp Tuffit and share stories about the one that got away … and brag about the ones that didn’t. It didn’t matter if he was talking about fishing, hunting or just plain talking; he liked to share with his old and new friends the adventures his life had taken.
Wynne was born in Elmo on April 22, 1950, to Lester E. and Emma W. (Marquardt) Maas, and passed away at his home in Helena on Saturday, March 31, 2012. The youngest of the four Maas boys, he kept everyone on their toes and made everyone laugh. Known for his wit and character, he was rarely without a quick comeback, comment or opinion. His love for flea markets and “great sales” kept him occupied since he became disabled, right up to the day of his passing. Family and friends could always count on Wynne to scour newspapers and Internet for the next “best deal.” He could often be found in the shop tinkering with woodworking tools and working on his latest set of plans.
Wynne is survived by his wife, Jeannene; daughter, Angel (Byron) Molyneaux of Helena; son, Mike of Missoula; grandchildren, Kiyana and Daeden Molyneaux; and brothers, Larry (Nita Marie) of Alexandria, Va., Gary (Walene) of Pablo and Lynn (Jeanne) of Los Alamos, N.M./Proctor. The extended family includes in-laws Ruth Baxter, Jerry (Brenda) Baxter, Bruce (Janice) Baxter and Keith Baxter. In addition, nieces and nephews: Craig Maas, Carol (Brad) Emerson, Elke Allik, Janet (Glen) Olson, Tony (Shawnna) Berthelote, Lester (Sara) Maas, Jeff (Jeannine) Maas, Lesli (Daron) Crenshaw, Jamie (Slim) Ritchie, Amanda Baxter, Jennifer (Jeff) Kraft, Rhonda Geiger, Sharene (Fred) Ahlin, David Baxter; numerous great-nieces and -nephews; and one great-great-niece. He was also “papa” to Zada, Kameron and Kennedy Dorrington and Jared Molyneaux. Adding to his extended family are many friends, including the whole Camp Tuffit community, the Early Bird Gang, Polson High class of ’68 and many other Polson, Elmo and surrounding area friends, St. Peter’s Dialysis Unit, Department of Revenue and a host of others too numerous to name.
Wynne was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Lyle Baxter; and nephew Sam.
Cremation has taken place at Retz Funeral Home. Due to the widespread reach of Wynne’s friends and family, we will have two different memorial services:
April 14, in Helena, we will have a time of remembrance for Wynne at the Montana Association of Counties Conference Center, 2715 Skyway Drive, from 2 to 4 p.m. This will be a lighthearted celebration and ice cream social.
On May 19, in Polson, a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. at Grogan Funeral Home. Afterwards, family and friends are invited to join us at Camp Tuffit for a pot-luck and opportunity to share with others the many stories you have about Wynne’s life.
In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations to The American Heart Association, The American Diabetes Association, The American Cancer Society or charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Glenda Neff Dupuis says
My dearest friend, I am at a loss
for words with the passing of Wynne. I am honored to have known him and he was a true friend and will never be forgotten. All my love and prayers, Glenda
Terri Johnson Lupo says
I am going to miss you Wynne. We grew up together and you were part of my life for 12 years. You always kept in contact, and you never let your chronic illnesses get you down.
You were always a friend, caring about the rest of us from your school years. I know it has not been easy to live each day with not feeling well, but thanks for sticking it out to make a difference in our lives, in our hearts and in our fortitude.
I shall miss you and your smile with the big dimples. I am so hoping you will pray for me to make it to heaven where we can meet again.
You really made a difference to this world and your life had immense meaning to so many people.
So long dear friend fly on those eagles wings!!
Your eternal friend,
Terri Johnson Lupo
Karren Dimmitt says
I was deeply saddened to learn of Wynne’s passing. He was such a trooper and had such a great sense of humor. My most sincere condolences to the family.
Cindy (Randall) Backeberg says
To the family of Wynne,
I had the pleasure of working with Wynne for about 10 years at Dept of Revenue. What a kind man, always a smile…even when I would see him after retirement around town.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this time.
Cindy
Gino says
Jeannene, Angel and Michael: May your memories bring you comfort during these sorrowful times. Let me know if there is anything I can do, now or later.
Sincerely, Gino
Glenda Neff Dupuis says
My dearest friend, I am at a loss
for words with the passing of Wynne. I am honored to have known him and he was a true friend and will never be forgotten. All my love and prayers, Glenda
Glenda Neff Dupuis says
My dearest friend, I am at a loss
for words with the passing of Wynne. I am honored to have known him and he was a true friend and will never be forgotten. All my love and prayers, Glenda