Alan Gerard Maassen, 62, of St. Peters, died peacefully in his home, surrounded by his wife and children, on July 31, 2021. His larger-than-life persona, big, beautiful grin, happy-go-lucky personality and wonderful sense of humor will never be forgotten. He left an indelible imprint on the lives of many.

Al was born on January 12, 1959, to the late Howard and Therese Maassen. He joined the ever-growing Maassen clan as the 5th child of 8. What the hell, Howard…. 8 kids!! Therese was surely a Saint!

Al, being the mischievous child, who drank milk out of the gallon, could always be found on the streets of Woodson Terrace with friends playing soccer or hockey and not home on his scheduled night doing dishes. He never got in trouble though…because, you know, he was Therese’s “brown eyed boy”.

Al married the love of his life Jacqueline (Jackie) on November 2, 1984. Together they raised their 3 beautiful children, Bradley, Amanda and Chelsea. Jackie would tell you that Al, sweet as he could be, maintained a bit of that mischievous boy-hood charm throughout their almost 37 years of marriage – and much like with Therese, he never really got in trouble with Jackie either.

Al gave 110% in whatever he did. This was evidenced in his 32½ year career with Southwestern Bell/AT&T. He began as a directory assistance operator. Shortly after, he earned a job in the Plant Department and then finally to Engineering. Al was respected by bosses, peers, and customers alike. You can take the man out of the phone company, but you can’t take the phone company out of the man. Following his retirement from AT&T, Al worked at ADB Construction and continued his Engineering work even while undergoing treatment to battle his cancer.

Al lived to serve. He was a loving and caring Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, PeePaw and a true Friend to many. He was an active member in the Catholic Church and enjoyed going to Mass. As a member of Impact Youth Ministry at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Al served as the Director of Seedbearers for 10 years. In that role, he led a team of high school aged teens and adult volunteers in rehabbing homes in neighboring communities for those who were unable to afford the work.

Affectionately known as “Big Al” by his many friends, Al fondly reminisced about good friends, good drinks, and good times in his day; as he would call it, hanging with his Woodson Terrace buddies. Throughout his life, Al remained close to many of his boyhood friends and cherished those relationships. He also loved gathering with family and friends for holidays, birthdays, or just plain ole days. A favorite for Al was to enjoy breakfast, at ‘GP’ Golden Pancake in Woodson Terrace with his siblings.

Al was a fighter. His devout faith and belief in God coupled with a positive outlook and wonderful sense of humor served him well throughout his life and especially during his battle with colon cancer. Even in his waning last few days, he was a model of strong will and sheer determination right up until the end of his journey here on earth. With Jackie at his side (his best medicine), he battled colon cancer better than Bob Plager against the Flyers fans.

Al truly lived the Thomas Edison quote — “When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: You haven’t.”

A lifelong St. Louis sports fan (well except for those St. Louis Rams who absconded the city back in 2015) Al was all about the sports scene. He enjoyed watching his favorite teams, (St. Louis Blues and the St. Louis Baseball Cardinals). He loved to play golf and camp with the family. He looked forward to the annual Sam A. Baker family camping week and was especially proud of the ever-growing extended family attendance at camp. By far, Al’s greatest joy came from spending time with his family. He has passed that trait along to his children, who find any reason to celebrate with family.

Al is survived by his amazing wife Jackie, his 3 children (Bradley, Chelsea and Amanda), 4 grandchildren (Addyson, Nolan, Violet and Nora), 7 siblings (Daryl, Dan, Pat, Sandie, Janice, Joan and Cheryl, the brown-eyed girl who also had Therese’s favor!) and many more aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Together, they remain #MaassenStrong!

There will be a Memorial Mass at 11am on August 21, 2021 at St Joseph Cottleville Catholic Church, 1355 Motherhead Rd., St. Charles, MO. The family encourages everyone to wear their favorite St. Louis Blues or Baseball Cardinal clothing to the Memorial Service in honor of Al.

In addition to flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Seedbearers organization. You can donate by writing a check to “IMPACT YM” with the memo “SB AL” and mailing it to 2 Seton Ct. St. Charles, MO 63303 OR online at https://www.osvhub.com/st-elizabeth-ann…/forms/almaassen

Oh, and one final note, for the record…Al redeemed himself for all those youthful evenings when he wasn’t at home to do dishes on his night. He always did them for Jackie and the family. He was the dish dude and was very particular about how they were done!