Verle Massman

Beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, Verle Massman, age 101, of Westside, Iowa, passed peacefully into glory on December 12, 2025.

Verle was born on December 18, 1923, to Otto Earnest William and Elva Amanda (Lohrmann) Massman of Westside, Iowa. He devoted the greater part of his life to farming, a vocation he embraced with humility, perseverance, and an unwavering work ethic. On April 30, 1944, Verle was united in marriage to the love of his life, Donna Belle Roennau, who joined him on the family farm in Westside. From this blessed union, they were given two sons, Michael and Mark.

Verle and Donna Belle made their home in Westside for many years until July 19, 2015, when they moved to Silveridge Assisted Living in Denison. Throughout their 76 years of marriage, they shared a joyful and active life, enjoying dancing with the Westside Polka Dots for 25 years, playing games—especially card games—and traveling extensively. They were thankful to have visited all 50 states, as well as Germany.

Verle was known for his warm smile, kind eyes, wonderful sense of humor and contagious laugh. He often remarked that the secret to a long and happy marriage could be summed up in two simple words: “Yes, dear.”

Verle faithfully served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. In May, he was honored in recognition of 80 years of American Legion membership. Throughout his life, Verle was admired for his quiet strength, deep devotion to his family, and steadfast faith in God. He was a longtime and active member of the United Church in Westside, where his faith was nurtured and faithfully lived out through service.

Including his parents, Verle was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna Belle Massman; his son, Mark Massman; his sister, Maurine Englehardt; and his brother-in-law, Gus Englehardt.

Those who remain to cherish his memory include his son Michael Massman and wife Linda of Council Bluffs, Iowa; three grandchildren, Tamera Weitz (Carter) of Elkhorn, Nebraska, Sharon Anderson (Jon) of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Julie Spieker (Michael) of Waukee, Iowa; nine great-grandchildren, Carter (Christian) Weitz, Michael (Nicole) Weitz, Katie (Alec) Wilcox, Linden (Bailey) Weitz, Aibree Spieker, Quinn Anderson, Camille Anderson, Emma Spieker, and Chase Spieker; six great-great-grandchildren, Jackson, Violet, Holden, Lucille, Theodore, and Alder Weitz; good friend, Jeanette McCollough of Denison, Iowa; numerous nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

Verle leaves behind a rich and enduring legacy of faith, laughter, love, and devotion to family. His life was a testament to God’s grace, and his memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation the hour prior, beginning at 10:00 a.m., all at the United Church of Westside in Westside. Burial with military honors will follow in the Westside Cemetery.