Kathryn “Katie” Lucille (Stich) Maas, 90, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025, in Lincoln. She was born on Thanksgiving day Nov. 29, 1934, on the family farm north of Dorchester, to Joseph H. and Gladys L. (Denney) Stich. She grew up with her older brother, Eugene.
Katie married Wilfred “Willie” G. Maas in 1955, and together they had seven children: Karen, Kevin, Kenneth, Keith (deceased), Kelly, Kimberly (deceased), and Kristine. When Willie’s life was tragically cut short at age 34, Katie poured her heart into raising their children, embodying strength, resilience, and unconditional love. She was also a beloved grandmother to Karalee Anderson, Kelsey Dahlin, and Will Drevo, and a proud great-grandmother to Brody Sanders, who brought her immense joy.
Beyond her devotion to family, Katie dedicated 30 years serving her community as a police dispatcher in Crete. Her calm, compassionate presence provided comfort in times of need, making her a trusted figure in town. After retiring, she moved to Lincoln, where she cherished her later years surrounded by family and friends, and where she found joy spending time outdoors – tending her garden and feeding wild birds – along with crafting scrapbooks and photo albums.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Gladys; brother, Eugene; husband Willie; son, Keith; and daughter, Kimberly. She is survived by daughters, Karen (Doug) Drevo, and Kristine (Tawfic Halaby) Maas; and sons, Kevin (Michelle) Maas, Kenneth Maas, and Kelly (Leslie Freeman) Maas; and grandchildren, Karalee (Donny) Anderson, Kelsey Dahlin and Will Drevo; grandson-in-law, John Sanders; great-grandson, Brody Sanders; daughter-in-law, Tracey Douthett; sister-in-law, Cathie (Stich) Lawrence; nieces, Christie (Stich) O’Neill and Sharon Maas; nephew, Jason Stich; and extended family, including numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Katie will be remembered for her kindness, unwavering tenacity, and deep love for those around her. Her warmth and dedication leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew her.
A memorial to honor her life will be at 2 p.m. Monday, April 14, at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery, 6800 S. 14th Street (enter at Gate 3), Lincoln. Visit the Lincoln Memorial Park website (lincolnfh.com) for more information. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the Crete Volunteer Fire Department.
