Charlotte Ann Maassen

Charlotte Ann Maassen was born on February 2, 1970, in Crookston, Minnesota, to Marvin Menting and Linda (Woolery) Menting. During her childhood, she traveled with her parents as her father worked as a lineman. In 1973, her family moved to Spencer, where she attended school. Charlotte graduated from Spencer High School in 1988. During her high school years, she sang in the choir, played the flute in the band, and participated in the debate team. After high school, she pursued further education by attending the Spencer School of Business for medical terminology and transcription. She spent many years transcribing for various medical offices and hospitals. Her time on the debate team in high school sparked her interest in furthering her education toward a career as a paralegal. She attended Iowa Lakes Community College, where she participated in the Mock Trial team, and later transferred to Brigham Young University in Utah to study Political Science, earning her bachelor’s degree. While attending Brigham Young University, she had the unique opportunity to transcribe the journals of Joshua Reuben Clark Jr., which she thoroughly enjoyed.

 In 1992, Charlotte and her two children, Kayla and Alyssa, from a previous marriage, met Keith Maassen of Rolfe, Iowa, and developed a strong relationship. On July 3, 1993, Keith and Charlotte married in Spencer, Iowa, at the United Methodist Church. After their marriage, Keith lovingly adopted Kayla and Alyssa, and the family was later sealed in the Chicago Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on October 22, 1994, for time and all eternity. In the years that followed, Keith and Charlotte welcomed two more children, Abigale in 1995 and Collin in 1997, completing their eternal family. Charlotte was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in various capacities, including Primary Teacher, Young Women’s Camp Leader, Relief Society roles, Music Coordinator/Director, and more. 

Charlotte enjoyed many hobbies and activities throughout her life. She loved cross-stitching various items and crocheting blankets for family members. In her free time, she worked on puzzles and enjoyed books like Sudoku, crosswords, and word searches. During the summer, she loved camping with her family and swimming with her children and later her grandchildren. Charlotte participated in a bowling league with her husband, Keith, and performed in the Many Voices Choir and the Messiah Choir during Christmas. She took great joy in attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting and school events, including softball, baseball, volleyball, basketball, football, track and field, archery, cheerleading, soccer, wrestling, marching band, theater, and musical concerts. She also enjoyed traveling to various places, with some family favorites being California, the Black Hills, Arches National Park, the Grand Canyon, Bear Lake, and the many Sunday family drives in the mountains of Utah. Most of all, Charlotte cherished spending time with her grandchildren and spoiling them. 

Charlotte is survived by her loving husband, Keith Maassen, and her fur babies, Stella, Prue, and Swede, of Spencer, Iowa; her daughter Kayla and Jeff Mitchell and their children Cooper, Madelyn, and Oliver of Waconia, Minnesota; her daughter Alyssa and Travis Goldman of Lake Park, Iowa; her daughter Abigale and Mitch Riesgraf and their son Desmond of Marathon, Iowa; her son Collin and Julie Maassen of Mesa, Arizona; her father, Marvin Menting, of Everly, Iowa; her siblings Greta Coleman of Boone, Iowa, and Jeremy Menting of Everly, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members, including her fur grandbabies. 

Charlotte is preceded in death by her mother, Linda Menting; her sister, Cindy Menting; her grandparents, Earl and Charlotte Woolery; her brother-in-law, Matthew Coleman; her niece, Adelaide Coleman; her mother-in-law, Irene Maassen; her sister-in-law, Lori Maassen; and other beloved family members. The family would like to thank all those who brought joy and ease to Charlotte’s life. Her fight is over, her pain is gone, and she is free, reunited with her Father in Heaven. Charlotte will be deeply missed by everyone who loved and knew her.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider monetary donations.