Rodney Walter Maasch

Sun PrairieRodney Walter Maasch, DDS, age 80, passed away in his sleep on Monday, Sept. 6, 2010 at his home in Carlsbad, CA.  Rod was born in Milwaukee, WI on January 16, 1930, the son of Walter and Ruth Maasch.  He was a graduate of Oconomowoc High School Class of 1947 and a 1953 graduate of Marquette University, School of Dentistry.  On June 12, 1952, he was united in marriage with Helen Dowd at St. Jerome's Catholic Church in Oconomowoc.  Rod was a Captain in the U.S. Air Force at Geiger Field in Washington.  After his discharge, he moved his young family to Sun Prairie where he set up his dental practice, caring for his patients until his retirement in 1995.  Always striving for excellence, Rod received specialized training and was one of the earliest dental practitioners to treat TMJ, and was elected as a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry at Ohio State in 1989. Public service was also important to Rod. He was actively involved in Sacred Heart Parish, and later at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church.  He was a member of the Lions Club, the American Legion, Knights of Columbus and served as Chairman of the American Red Cross, which awarded him with its Man of the Year Award.  Rodney also served on the Sun Prairie School Board and was on the first Board of Directors of the Sun Prairie Golf Course. His public service was recognized by the Jaycees, who awarded him their Distinguished Service Award in 1965, which was presented by Gov. Warren Knowles.  Rod enjoyed his sports, becoming an accomplished bowler, golfer, and racquetball player. One of his proudest moments was winning the club championship at the Sun Prairie Golf Club in 1975. After his retirement, Rod started wildlife wood carving, winning several awards for his art work. Rod is survived by his wife Helen of Carlsbad, CA; his children Mark (Katie) of San Diego, CA, Mike of Sun Prairie, Mary (Ken) Slattery of Madison, Kate (David) Simon of Madison, John of Middleton and Steve (Sue) of Pewaukee; 17 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, son James and sister Myrna.   A Funeral Mass will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 23, 2010 at St. Albert the Great Church, 2420 St. Albert's Drive, Sun Prairie with Father Michael Richel presiding.  Family and friends may greet the family at the church from 4:30 until the time of mass. There will also be a reception following.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Care of the North Coast, 54410 Avenida Encinas, Suite A, Carlsbad, CA 92008.