Obituary of Loren C. Maas

Dr. Loren Charles Maas passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at his home with his family and friends around him. Loren was born February 25, 1933, to Carl and Minna (Newkirk) Maas at South Amana, Iowa. His childhood was spent on the family farm where he developed a long standing love of animals that later became his profession. He graduated from Marengo High School and was active in multi sports which remained a lifelong interest and passion. The Atlanta Braves and Iowa Hawkeyes were his teams. Trivia questions? Loren knew the answers. Loren went on to attend (then) Iowa State College where he graduated in 1955 with a B.S. degree in agronomy and a commission in the U.S. Air Force. The next few years were spent in pilot training and then as a pilot of the B-47 jet bomber in Stragetic Air Command. On October 28, 1956, Loren and Janet Fritz were united in marriage in Blakesburg, Iowa. They made their home in Savannah, Georgia while he was stationed at Hunter Air Force base during his air force days. Loren later returned to Iowa State University and enrolled in the college of veterinary medicine, graduating in 1967. Upon graduation, he received the Upjohn Award for being the most proficient in clinical medicine and then joined Dr. James Lowe in the Animal Clinic in Iowa City where he was in veterinary practice for over thirty years. Loren was active in his profession and chaired many state committees, was president of the Eastern Iowa Veterinary Association and was an honorary member of the state organization. He was also an honorary member of the Missouri Veterinary Association. He enjoyed the continuing contact with veterinarians in retirement and looked forward to the quarterly senior veterinary luncheons. Very often, Loren was asked to be the master of ceremonies of events where people enjoyed his sense of humor and storytelling ability. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Janet: their two children, Dr. Curt Maas and Lora Edwards: their son-in-law Hal Edwards: four grandchildren Hank (Ashley), Jessica, Hayden and Hunter Edwards all of whom live in the Kansas City, KS area: one great grandaughter, Hazel Edwards: his sister, Betty Wagner of Cedar Rapids and sister-in-law, Barbara Cook of Blakesburg, Iowa. Four nieces and nephews also survive him. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers-in-law, Dean Wagner and Dick Cook. A memorial service will be held for Loren at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 1300 Melrose Ave. on Saturday, January 10th at 1:00 p.m.. The family will greet guests during a reception that will follow the service in the fellowship room. There will be a private burial at a later date. Loren will always remain in the hearts of his family and of the many friends who expressed support during the three years of his illness. The family would also like to thank Loren's physician and friend, Dr. Ann Broderick, for her continuing support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Companion Animal Fund, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1600 S. 16th Street, Ames, Iowa 50011 in Loren's name: Iowa City Hospice or the Holden Cancer Center.