3/6/2002, 11:29::Tim Herman::I have known Roy for 10 years or so. I find it exhilerating that there are still people who garner the kind of love and respect that Roy evidently does. For past students and athletes to stay in touch is one thing, but for a legacy to go on is quite another. It is encouraging to me to know Roy. Many blessings lie ahead for Roy and Lillian. 5/21/2002, 13:34::John (Jack) Kelly::Jack Kelly (now living in Virginia) will be back in Albert Lea all summer working on his golf game. Hope to see some old friends at the Green Lea golf course. 9/28/2003, 13:55::Frank Gallagher::Once again congratulations to Coach LeRoy and Lillian Maas on their special day of Celebration. The wonderful dinner in their honor on September 26, 2003 was a great oppportunity to celebrate the hard work of the 15 deserving student "Maas Scholarship" recipients and the important contributions of the numerous donors over the last six years. A special salute to the efforts of the Board of Directors and the ongoing work of Dee and Manny Steil and Arleen and Pete Veldman. The spirit of the evening was captured by the special Proclamation from the Governor of Minnesota, Tim Pawlenty, who proclaimed September 26th as "LeRoy and Lillian Maas Day", to recognize their many contributions. It is on honor to call LeRoy and Lillian my special friends.
With the help of so many, much has been accomplished to date, and the challenge to meet the $100,000.00 mininimum goal is closer than ever. With $24,000.00 to go we need the creative and committed help of many. With the continued and new help of many it will be great to meet this goal by Coach Maas' 87th birthday next year. We invite your persistent and creative contributions. In addition, we invite you to invite others to participate and perpetuate the Maas Scholarship to help advance the educational growth of numerous ALHS student scholar/athletes. Every contribution will continue to honor LeRoy and Lillian Maas and enable deserving students.
Frank Gallagher
Class of 1956
10/6/2003, 9:00::Vicki Wettlaufer Ordalen::What an inspiration to read the journey and accomplishments of Mr Maas. His daughter Susie and I graduated together in 1968 and continue to stay in contact with each other. Mr Maas choose to "make a difference" in the lives of children and young adults. How wonderful that his legacy and committment to the education of our children continues through scholarships. Thanks to Susie for guiding me to this very special site.
Hello to Lillian and Leroy!
10/6/2003, 16:27::Michael Prosser::Great site, but did I expect anything but excellent from such a tremendous educator?
10/17/2003, 8:40::Donald Draayer::I was signing the book I authored -- Retirement Straight Talk: Stories and Wisdom of (300+) educators -- at the Albert Lea Library on Sept. 22, 2003. LeRoy Maas surprised and pleased me by stopping by. We had a good visit (he also bought a copy of the book). Later that evening he came to our class reunion dinner (Class of 1953)and spoke with his usual enthusiasm.
One of my life's regrets is not playing in Albert Lea sports. As the oldest son of a Hollandale farmer, I became my father's "hired" hand and could only attend sport events including wrestling where my friend and immediate neighbor Pete Veldman excelled. Ever since I've been a life-long advocate of co-curricular activities for youth and have been able to underscore that value as a school administrator (superintendent for 24 years at Minnetonka School District). I still go to many games and happily watch my grandchildren participate in soccer, swimming, hockey, and cross country and attend many other sport events of young men and women who I know through our church or neighborhood.
The legacy of LeRoy and those men with whom he shared his values is now seen in the scholarship recipients. This WEB is very, very well done. It reflects extremely well upon the organization inspired by LeRoy and people who put life, meaning, and dollars into this worthwhile cause.
10/17/2003, 8:40::Donald Draayer::I was signing the book I authored -- Retirement Straight Talk: Stories and Wisdom of (300+) educators -- at the Albert Lea Library on Sept. 22, 2003. LeRoy Maas surprised and pleased me by stopping by. We had a good visit (he also bought a copy of the book). Later that evening he came to our class reunion dinner (Class of 1953)and spoke with his usual enthusiasm.
One of my life's regrets is not playing in Albert Lea sports. As the oldest son of a Hollandale farmer, I became my father's "hired" hand and could only attend sport events including wrestling where my friend and immediate neighbor Pete Veldman excelled. Ever since I've been a life-long advocate of co-curricular activities for youth and have been able to underscore that value as a school administrator (superintendent for 24 years at Minnetonka School District). I still go to many games and happily watch my grandchildren participate in soccer, swimming, hockey, and cross country and attend many other sport events of young men and women who I know through our church or neighborhood.
The legacy of LeRoy and those men with whom he shared his values is now seen in the scholarship recipients. This WEB is very, very well done. It reflects extremely well upon the organization inspired by LeRoy and people who put life, meaning, and dollars into this worthwhile cause.
11/26/2003, 21:56::Gene Smith:: 11/26/2003, 22:03::Gene Smith::My family and I moved to Freeborn County in 1989 so that I could take a job with the County. In trying to become acclimated before the family came to town I was driving around Albert Lea and said to myself while on Park Avenue, "That's the house my wife will want!" To make a long story short, that was the house she did want and that began a great relationship with Roy and Lillian Maas. Yes, we bought the house from them and we got much much more that we had hoped for because we got to know Roy and Lillian. If there is ever to be a history of Park Avenue, for that matter much of Albert Lea, These two wonderful people should be major contributors. It seems as though all those you have touched have one thing in common, a deep sense of a mixture of respect and caring. 1/26/2004, 21:24::Peter Berthelsen::Every time I hear or say "What's that got to do with the price of rice in China?" I think of Leroy or tell a story about him. I remember him saying that throughout Junior High as he taught us in Phy. Ed.
I was glad to find this website! 9/29/2004, 13:14::Frank F. Gallagher::Once again, congratulations to Coach LeRoy and Lillian Maas on their special day "one year anniversary" on September 26, 2004. Recipients of a special Proclamation from the Governor of Minnesota, Tim Pawlenty, who proclaimed September 26th as "LeRoy and Lillian Maas Day", to recognize their many contributions. It is an honor to call LeRoy and Lillian my special friends.
12/25/2004, 20:38::Lenny LoFrisco::Looking for Doyle Haley. He can reach me at 518-796-6452.
5/17/2005, 14:13::John Butler Class of 1980::Just a note of thanks to LeRoy and the scholarship fund committee. My son Jared
was just chosen one of three "2005" recipient of "The LeRoy Maas Scholarship".
As a former student you had already left a lasting impression on me during our Phy ed and health classes in 1974. Being the "Duck Waddling" champ during phy ed as I learned the "Maas" discipline.
Thanks again to the scholarship committee for its support of Jared and his education plans.
5/26/2005, 6:34::Daniel Luney::Leroy - Always had time for the "Little Guy", Made me feel special. And I was no athlete by any means. Just goes to show you Leroy cared for all of us not just the Athlete. Thanks for all the Great Memories. Dan Luney (Grand Forks, ND.)
7/21/2005, 5:26::A. Hagen::May a boy who attended Mr. Moss's class had the opertunity to speek to the "Board of Education" if they mis-behaved. As I look at the state of many of our schools today, I am sad to see the control shift out of the teachers hands. Mr. Moss was a fair and firm educator and I do not believe anyone was harmed by his method of disipline. Many of us were put back on the right path. Thank you Mr. Moss and God Bless!
8/24/2005, 19:53::Jerry Stensud::I remember Roy getting lip from Joe Grant ( This maybe in 56 or 57) in Gym class. Roy snatched up joe by the t-shirt and said something that must have caught Joe's attention cuz after that Joe was as nice as pie at least to Leroy Maas. From that day on, I held the greatest respect for him and do still.
Jerry Stensrud 'Class of 60'
9/16/2005, 21:21::James B. King::ALHS Class of 1984. Mr. Maas was my first phys ed teacher in the 7th grade at Southwest Jr. High School.
1/6/2006, 21:22::Dorenne Hansen::Dear Mr Maas,
I just read your article in the Albert Lea Tribune and see it is here on the website as well. I am so pleased to see that you have changed your policy of not allowing non-Albert Lea graduates to apply for the wrestling scholarships. In the past there have been several deserving Glenville-Emmons grads who weren't eligible for this wonderful opportunity. My children and other Glenville-Emmons students, who have been part of Albert Lea wrestling all of their wrestling careers, will be very excited.
1/7/2006, 21:55::Manny Steil::On behalf of the LeRoy Maas Wrestling Scholarship Board of Trustees, we thank every contributor to the Scholarship Fund.
With 597 contributions totaling $101,301.00, as of January 5, 2006, we have met our initial Minimum Goal of $100,000.00 and have now set new stretch goal of $150,000.00. All in the honor of Coach LeRoy Maas and for the purpose of assisting the ongoing education of deserving ALHS student athletes.
Thanks to everyone the Maas Scholarship will serve students beyond our life times. 1/7/2006, 21:55::Manny Steil::On behalf of the LeRoy Maas Wrestling Scholarship Board of Trustees, we thank every contributor to the Scholarship Fund.
With 597 contributions totaling $101,301.00, as of January 5, 2006, we have met our initial Minimum Goal of $100,000.00 and have now set new stretch goal of $150,000.00. All in the honor of Coach LeRoy Maas and for the purpose of assisting the ongoing education of deserving ALHS student athletes.
Thanks to everyone the Maas Scholarship will serve students beyond our life times. 2/23/2006, 12:08::Jake Goodnature::10/9/2006, 9:56:::: 11/21/2006, 12:58::Svetlana::Excellent site, added to favorites!! 11/21/2006, 22:25::Marilyn::Wonderful and informative web site.I used information from that site its great. 11/22/2006, 4:02::Park::The site's very professional! Keep up the good work! Oh yes, one extra comment - maybe you could add more pictures too! So, good luck to your team!