Leonard "Joe" Maas (JoJo)

Leonard “Joe” Maas (JoJo), age 79, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, at Oakridge Gardens Nursing Home. He was born to the late Herman and Lucille (Bennett) Maas. On July 9, 1969, Joe married the love of his life, Carole (Piette) Maas whom he first proposed to while she was fishing with her brother at just 10 years old. She declined, but accepted Joe’s second proposal 12 years later. During their 57 wonderful and blessed years together, their children Jim, Brenda, and Stacy provided them with four grandchildren and later five great‑grandchildren.

Joe retired from Central Paper Company, where he worked as a machine operator. In his earlier years, the company president often asked Joe to pick up customers from the airport and show them around the valley. The customers always expressed how much they enjoyed being with him and how fun it was learning about the area.

Those who knew Joe would agree he had a loving, caring, and warm heart. He was sincere, dependable, and giving. Joe was always approachable and loved socializing with friends and strangers alike. His magnetic personality drew in new friends constantly, which is why he had an immeasurable number of lifelong friendships.

Joe was a wonderful storyteller. When he began telling a funny story, everyone paid attention, knowing they were about to be entertained. He often started laughing before he even began, and his listeners immediately joined in. As he continued, laughter echoed throughout the room, and many were brought to tears from laughing along with him. Joe was always so much fun to be around, and you were never bored when he was present.

A dedicated sportsman since childhood, Joe enjoyed rabbit, duck, pheasant, goose, turkey, and deer hunting. He spent many years deer hunting with his brothers Jack, Jim, and Jerry at their trailer in Tigerton. The stories he told from those trips were endless and filled with laughter. The brothers never argued over the TV remote! Fishing, however, was Joe’s absolute favorite sport whether in Wisconsin waters, Canada, or at the family cottage on Lake Poygan. He even fished in his dreams and made sure to tell Carole all about them.

When a planned adventure was approaching, Joe hauled out the totes and the appropriate check list. He packed everything neatly and checked off each item a month before departure. He staged the totes where he could see them daily and smiled so cutely as he walked pass them. The countdown began, and he marked off each day on his calendar. When departure day arrived, he was happy, excited, and anxious. There was laughter and lots of “I love you’s” exchanged with Carole.

Joe was an accomplished artist specializing in fish, animals, and birds. His paintings were done focusing on realistic detail. With his keen eye and artistic ability the completed projects were beautiful and displayed lifelike appearance. He painted his children and grandchildren their choice from the three categories. They now have treasured artwork from a very special man who was always present in their lives.

Joe loved his family immensely, and they meant the world to him. He would do anything for them, including teaching them fishing, hunting, and many life skills. He was their hero and protector.

He loved spending time with them whether it was taking Jim fishing and hunting or taking the girls grocery shopping, which they loved. Carole wrote the grocery list and gave Joe extra money for each one to buy what they wanted for lunches. When they arrived at the store, Joe went straight to the snack aisle, and the happy girls followed, knowing they’d be picking out their favorites too. They had so much fun filling the cart with snacks that they forgot to choose real food for their lunches. They hurried to grab the meat, vegetables, and fruit from Carole’s list so they could get home and dig into their snacks. They were a happy trio—until checkout. They were way over the allotted amount, and it was time to put things back. The girls didn’t mind because they always had so much fun shopping with their dad. It couldn’t be one of those “don’t tell mom” days since it was too funny not to share.

Joe especially loved family gatherings knowing his precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren would bring him much joy. He had a special place in his heart for them. They loved their grandpa and always looked forward to the fun visits with him.

Joe is survived by his wife, Carole; children: Brenda Maas Nowland and Stacy (Nathan) Hadler; grandchildren: Amanda Nowland, Ian Nowland, Justin Hadler, and Cheyenne Maas; great‑grandchildren: Madeline Zimmerman, Malachi Espinosa, Lillian Espinosa, Thomas Nowland, and Raven Nowland; brothers: Jack (Mary) Maas and Jim (Nancy) Maas; sisters‑in‑law: Linda Maas, Joyce Meyer, Katie Deeg, Dottie Piette, and Vicky Piette; brother‑in‑law: Allan Piette.

He is also survived by many loved nieces and nephews, along with countless special friends.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his son Jim Maas; infant twin sister Linda Lou Maas; brothers Larry Maas and Jerry Maas; father‑ and mother‑in‑law Donald Piette Sr. and Fern Piette; sisters‑in‑law Marilyn Piette and Cheryl Piette; brothers‑in‑law Donald Piette Jr., Skip Piette, Raymond Piette, Mike Piette, Marvin Meyer, and David Deeg Sr.

There are many broken hearts over the passing of a wonderful man who was loved so dearly. Knowing Joe is pain‑free and with his Heavenly Father brings much comfort. It was an honor having Joe in our lives.

Joe’s family would like to acknowledge and thank the superb, dedicated employees at Oakridge Gardens. Whether professional medical staff or office personnel, we appreciate the wonderful care and assistance given to Joe and his family. We consider many of them our friends now. The staff was always prompt, sincere, and caring, which gave us confidence that Oakridge Gardens was the right choice. We also want to thank ThedaCare Hospice for their expert care, helping Joe remain comfortable and pain‑free, which was a tremendous comfort to his family.

As per Joe’s wishes there will be no services.