Brian J. Maas

Brian James Maas July 29, 1962 – August 18, 2025

Brian Maas passed away unexpectedly at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center on Monday, August 18, 2025.

He was born in Appleton, Wisconsin to parents Lyle and Jean Maas (Thistle), the second of five siblings. Following his graduation from Appleton West in 1980, he enlisted and served with honor in the United States Air Force. He also started a family, with children Tyler and Chelsea born in 1984 and 1989 to his first wife, Jackie Montour (Ganzel). His household was filled with laughter, silliness, and fun.

Brian retired from Ducommun (formerly Pensar) in 2015 following 29 years of service. He was a leader dedicated to people, but a self-described "HR nightmare" with an ever-present baseball cap. In retirement, he embraced hobbies like boating, camping, antique cars, travel, good food, live music, and trips on his Harley. Never one to love anything halfway, he dove into new interests with passion.

In 2018, Brian married the love of his life, Tonya (Tribbett). They lived together in Appleton before moving to Hortonville, a community Brian loved, where he was surrounded by friends and acquaintances from his favorite local haunts. Brian and Tonya loved hosting family at home, as well as tending their property and garden, and playing games of cribbage together.

Brian was the life of every party and loved bringing people together. He had a wide network and many decades-long friendships. His wit and bold sense of humor, his competitive spirit, his generosity, and his strong principles will forever be missed by the many people who loved him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jean Maas, brother-in-law Dale Weber, and several cherished grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends.

Brian is survived by his loving wife, Tonya; his children Tyler Maas (Rachel Bernhard), Chelsea Stindt (Matt); step-children Derek Fjelstad, and Haley Klein (Dan); and grandchildren Dana, Trenton, and Charlie. He is further survived by his father Lyle Maas and siblings Julie Mueller (Tom), Kelly Behnke (Popper), Paul Maas, Jackie Brettingen (Mark), and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.