John C. Massmann

Memorial services celebrating the life of John C. Massmann, 84, of St. Cloud will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 3, 2016 at Christ Church Newman Center in St. Cloud. John passed away unexpectedly with family by his side on Monday, August 29, 2016 at the St. Cloud Hospital. Reverend Anthony Oelrich will officiate. Burial with military honors will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 26, 2016 in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud and after 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Parish prayers will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

John was born on October 1, 1931 on the family farm in New Munich to the late Anton and Christina (Eickhoff) Massmann. He graduated from St. John’s University, Collegeville in 1954 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science. Right after, John served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return, he went on to obtain his Doctorate from the University of Minnesota. He married Marcella Jerome in 1962 and together they raised three sons. Dr. Massmann started his teaching career as a Professor at Kent State in Ohio and later accepted a position as a History Professor with St. Cloud State where he spent the remainder of his career. John was also an author who published and edited books including: German Immigration to Minnesota, 1850-1890, Shadows Illuminated: Women in a Rural Culture, and St. Cloud The Triplet City An Illustrated History. John was a devoted catholic who was a member of the St. John’s Oblates. He was also a member of the American Associate of University Professors, Stearns County Historical Society, the Minnesota Historical Society. John was part of Minnesota’s Electoral College on two occasions and was a proud member of the DFL Party. John also served as a Minnesota member of the U.S. Bi-Centennial Commission.

John is survived by his sons; Johann (Sara) of Silver Creek Township, Jacques (Suki) of Huntsville, Alabama, Mark of Golden Valley; three grandchildren, Erin, Anton and Margo Massmann; former spouse, Marcella Jerome; siblings, Tony (Marion), Christina Wochnick, Phyllis (Jerry) Vornbrock, Celestine (Bea); sister-in- law, Joan Massmann; and brother- in -law , Sylvester Ruegemer; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by daughter-in- law, Dawn (Kiffmeyer) Massmann; and siblings, Alcuin, Virgil, Ray, Bill, Sylvester, Andrew, Dorothy Feldeverd, Rosemany Ruegemer and Dorine Massmann.

Memorials are preferred.