Donald Elroy Maass, age 86, of Huron, passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026 at Huron Regional Medical Center as the result of complications from a fall earlier in the week. His funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m., on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Welter Funeral Home in Huron with burial to follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Yale, SD. Visitation, with his family present, will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 before the funeral at the funeral home.

Don was born on August 30, 1939, to Elma and Emil Maass of Yale, South Dakota. He graduated from Yale High School in 1958.

Don worked for over thirty years on Porkchop Hill in Huron, South Dakota. He worked for twenty-three years at Armour Foods, and was then employed by Swift and Dakota Pork. Don also worked at Our Home, which was personally rewarding for him.

After his time on Porkchop Hill, Don started Don's Tree Service. He loved the challenge of bringing a big, old tree down three feet at a time. He also enjoyed working the bucket truck and using his trusty Stihl chainsaws.

For many years, Don hosted hunters during pheasant season. Regulars came from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Kentucky and Florida. He looked forward to seeing these friends each year. Next to his enjoyment of people, Don loved his pets. He had many dogs over the years and one perfect cat, Camo. Don enjoyed life and loved being around others.

Don enjoyed his hobbies and each one went fast. Whether it was a motorcycle, snowmobile, boat or Corvette, the more horsepower the better. He was particularly proud of his 2007 Atomic Orange Corvette and participated in many local car shows.

For the last three years of his life, Don had the privilege of residing at Country View Assisted Living in Huron. Don was well fed and cared for by the exceptional crew.

Don is survived by his son Randel (Kathleen) Maass; daughter, Ronda (Kevin DeWeerd) Maass; grandson, Zac (Kayse) Maass; and great-grandson, Ellington Maass.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, infant brothers Norman and James, and sister Evelyn Maass Hofer Schneider.