Therese A. Maass, 81

Therese A. Maass, a beloved figure known for her warmth and generosity, passed away on Friday, April 26, 2024, at the age of 81.

Born on August 23, 1942, in Owen, Wisconsin, to Bernard and Agnes Pogodzinski, Therese grew up on a small family farm. She attended Owen public elementary school and later spent time at the Convent of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. She graduated from Owen-Withee High School in 1960.

After marrying Gerald E. Maass of Greenwood, Wisconsin, in 1960, Therese devoted herself to raising their three children, Patrick, Deanna, and Suzanna. She embraced her role as a wife and mother, often going above and beyond to care for her family and others. In 1978, the family joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a significant event in Therese’s life.

Following Gerald’s passing in 1993, Therese sold their house and served as an ordinance worker in the Chicago Illinois Temple. She later married Derek Ison in 1998, but sadly, he also passed away in 2008. Undeterred, Therese continued her service, including a two-year mission in the Church History Library in Salt Lake City.

In 2016, Therese married Brian Martz, a longtime friend and widower. They enjoyed eight happy years together, serving as ordinance workers in the Idaho Falls Temple and relishing the unexpected blessing of companionship late in life.

Therese is survived by her husband, Brian Martz; her children, Patrick (Amelia) Maass, Deanna (Miguel) Adriano, and Suzanna (David) Lau; her siblings, Victor, Anthony, Frank (Connie), Thomas (Betsy) Pogodzinski, and Susan (Gerry) Gambetta; ten grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Agnes Pogodzinski; her husbands, Gerald Maass and Derek Ison; her sister, Lillian (Frank) Friedenfels; and her brothers, Jerome and James.

A celebration of Therese’s life will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Stevens Point Ward, 5431 Golla Rd. in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Prior to the service, the family will greet friends from 10-10:45 a.m. Her burial will take place at Pioneer Cemetery in Wisconsin Rapids, next to her first husband, Jerry.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Humanitarian Services of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or to Feeding America in Therese’s memory.