Major Linda Marie Maas

Major Linda Marie Maas, 79, formerly of Madison, Wisconsin, died Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Hillview Health Care Center. She was born December 19th, 1945 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to Glenn and Georgia Maas.

Linda graduated from Aquinas High School in 1964. That same year she enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps. Upon completion of her enlistment, she returned home and attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse from 1968 to 1973 on the GI Bill. She graduated with a major in Art and a minor in English. Linda also attended Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA from 1975-1977 with MA in Human Relations and Supervision in Business.

Linda served in the Army of the United States-WAC Regular Army with rank as sergeant (E-5). She was honorably discharged on November 6th, 1967. Linda also served in the United States Air Force with the rank of Major. Her combined years of military service equaled 23 years, 3 months, and 24 days. Linda received several medals during her military career including: The Army Achievement Medal, The Meritorious Service Medal, The Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal W/1 Device, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, and Air Force Training Ribbon.

In 2005, while serving with the Wisconsin 115th Fighter Wing, Linda volunteered and deployed to Balad Air Base, Iraq where she served with the 332d Air Expeditionary Wing for 123 days. “She endured more than 200 Mortar attacks and many adversaries of combat. While deployed she aided in the treatment of over 2000 wounded soldiers and civilians in support to Operation Iraqi Freedom.”

In 2005, Linda retired from the Air National Guard, Truax Field Madison, WI where she “distinguished herself in the performance of outstanding service to the United States as Health Administrator while assigned to the 115 Medical Group.” Linda also retired from her full-time civilian job as an adjudicator for disability recipients for the State of Wisconsin Social Security Division.

Her life was dedicated to God, Family and Country. Linda exemplified the Air Force core values in her everyday life: “Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in all we do.”

She enjoyed several hobbies including sewing, antique dolls, and wildflower gardening.

She was preceded in death by her parents Glenn and Georgia (Haberman) Maas.

She is survived by: her brother Dan (Judy) Maas, sisters Becky (Gregg) Nordstrom and Mary (Larry) Ruzek; nephew and nieces, Nick Maas, Chad (Jen) Maas, Stephanie (Hal) Perkins, Gregory (Lauren) Nordstrom, Abigail (Tom) Williams, Elizabeth Ruzek; and many great nephew and nieces, and great-great nephew and nieces.

Memorials can be given in Linda’s memory to any military charity.

The family would like to thank all the dedicated health care providers at Hillview Health Care who gave Linda such loving care. The family would also like to thank hospice for their support and prayers while caring for Linda.

 A private family graveside military service will be held at a future date at Crucifixion Cemetery, La Crescent, MN.