Jay Norman Maass

On Friday, May 22, 2026, a train bound for heaven pulled away from the station with a special passenger. Born March 6, 1974, Jay Norman Maass entered this world not knowing he would teach those around him so much more than he could ever be taught himself. The loving son of Warren and Gloria Maass, Jay attended school at Syble Hopp and Plamann School before graduating with Seymour High School's Class of 1995. He later enjoyed his time working at Valley Packaging. While Jay endured the effects of Tuberous Sclerosis his entire life, he leaves this world finally free of those challenges.

Jay lived a full life defined by the simple things he loved. He didn't need much to be happy-his family, a place to watch trains, a stack of books, the bowling alley, and a cold Pepsi. A frequent visitor to the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay and Laona Camp 5, Jay could spend hours watching steam engines, reminding us all to appreciate the journey as much as the destination.

That same enthusiasm followed him to the lanes. Every birthday, Jay celebrated with a bowling party at Wally's in Seymour, surrounded by family. He was truly at home with a bowling ball in his hand; with every strike, spare, or gutter ball, his smile would light up the alley. He taught us that the best part of the game wasn't the score, but the cheers from the sidelines.

When he wasn't train watching or bowling, Jay was content with a stack of books by his side. He carried his books everywhere he went, finding joy in flipping through the pages and looking at the pictures, but he loved being read to most of all. Fittingly, The Little Red Caboose was read to him multiple times during his final day. No matter the activity, Jay almost always had a Pepsi nearby-his favorite treat, which he enjoyed until the very end.

We learned more from Jay about patience, unconditional love, and perseverance than we could have ever gained from any book. He leaves this world a little quieter without his talking and laughter, but far better for having had him in it. Jay, you will be so deeply missed.

Jay is survived by his parents, Warren and Gloria; his siblings, James W. Maass, Mike (Connie) Maass, Becky (Bob) Fandrey, and Sara Maass-Pate (Dan); his nieces and nephews, Joe (Anna) Maass, Melissa (Collin) Wienkes, Brandon Maass, Jacob Maass, Ella Fandrey, Audrey Pate, Amanda Pate, and Autumn Pate; great nephews Korbin and Jaxon Wienkes and Colson Maass; his aunts, Jean Keune and Julie Marcks; and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his Godmother, Janet Maass; uncles, Glen Maass and Bob Keune; and his grandparents, Norman and Verla Maass and Marvin and Gertrude Marcks.

Our family would like to extend a special thanks to his caregivers, Dave Lahman and Lahbib Daoudi. Thank you for your devoted care over the years; you treated him like your own and our family will forever be grateful. We also thank the staff of County Rescue, Theda Clark Regional Medical Center, Theda Care Hospice, and the many doctors and nurses who cared for Jay's needs over the last 52 years.

Funeral services for Jay will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Seymour, on Wednesday May 27th at 11:00 AM with Pastor Ty Stoneburner officiating. Visitation will be held at church from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Jay will be laid to rest at the parish cemetery following the funeral service.