Delmar Maassel

1925 - 2023

Delmar Maassel
Born: October 21, 1925 in Sherwood, OH
Died: August 21, 2023 in Volo, IL
Delmar Maassel, 97, a longtime resident of Volo, peacefully passed away at home on August 21, 2023, surrounded by his family and caretaker of 9 years, Jim Alba.
He was born on October 21, 1925, in Sherwood, OH, to the late Rev. George and Clara (Schroeder) Maassel, the third of nine siblings. He graduated from Ridgeville H.S. in Ohio and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving in World War II from 1943 to 1946.
After his honorable discharge, Del attended Valparaiso University on the G.I. Bill where he met his future wife, Yvonne Keil. Upon graduation, Del taught 7th & 8th grade students and was the principal at St. Paul's Lutheran School in Round Lake. Yvonne and Del were married on June 13, 1951, at St. Paul's. After a few years of teaching, Del decided to join Yvonne and her parents, Al & Emilie Keil, in the family business of operating Fish Lake Beach Resort in Volo. Yvonne and Al were the dreamers, and Del spent his working years quietly in the background, making things happen. He took electric and general carpentry classes and became a "jack of all trades." He helped grow Fish Lake from a tiny fishing resort with a few cabins to a campground with over 600 sites. Del also was the business accountant and had a very high standard of integrity. His work ethic and honesty made a lifelong impression on the future generations who would step in to maintain the legacy he helped create.
Del and Yvonne shared 57 years of loving marriage before she passed away in 2009. Their relationship was built on shared values and a strong faith in God. They beautifully complemented and balanced each other in many ways, accepting each other's differences and quietly encouraging each other's strengths. They grew together, building Fish Lake into a place where generations of families spend time together, and many call it their second home. In the off-season, they were true companions who worshiped together, enjoyed square dancing, had dinner with four local couples who were their best friends, and traveled the world by car, boat, train, camper, and plane! Yvonne would come home and tell of all their adventures, and Del would just shake his head like, "I'm not doing this ever again..." but of course, he was part of their next adventure. He will be forever remembered for his warm smile, caring heart, quiet ways, honesty, and unconditional love.
He will be greatly missed by his family: Yvonne and her husband Randy Crow of Volo, and Desiree and her husband Bob Jung of Wauconda; his grandchildren: Christiana (Rory) Hebel, Joshua (Sara) Crow, and Ryan, Connor, and Delaney Jung; great-grandchildren Christopher and Amelia Hebel; and his caretaker Jim Alba.
He is also survived by his brother Richard (Carol) Maassel and sister Miriam (Leonard) Neumann. He was preceded in death by his brothers Norman, Paul, and Lester, and sisters Lois Wesche, Juanita Thorpe, and Ruth McClain.
Del requested a celebration of his life where his unwavering faith was nurtured, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 24500 N. Old McHenry Road, Hawthorn Woods, IL 60047 ( 847-438-7709). Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 5th from 4 p.m. until 6:45pm with a service at 7 p.m.; the Rev. Edward Blonski will officiate.
Memorials may be made to: AbleLight 600 Hoffman Drive, Watertown, WI 53094
AbleLight was formally known as Bethesda Lutheran Communities and Del's disabled brother, Norman, was served by this community when he could no longer remain home. Del has always felt a deep connection to this charity.
JourneyCare Hospice 405 Lake Zurich Road, Barrington, IL 60010 journeycare.org JourneyCare helped Del's family navigate the emotional journey of letting go and keeping Del as comfortable as possible for the past 6 months. We cannot express how much we appreciated the nurses, social worker, chaplain, weekly visitor, and the many calls reaching out to us making sure we knew we were not alone.
Arrangements were entrusted to Kisselburg-Wauconda Funeral Home. Funeral information: 847-526-2115 and sign the guest book at: www.kisselburgwaucondafuneralhome.com.