Burl Massman, 68

Burl Arthur Massman, 68, Villard, died August 18, 2009 at St. Cloud Hospital.

Burl was born September 18, 1940 in Villard to Rudolph and Anna (Herrmann) Massmann. He grew up in Villard and attended St. John’s Lutheran Church. He graduated from Villard High School in 1958 and went on to further his education at St. Cloud State University.

On November 14, 1962, Burl entered the United States Army. He was stationed in Greenland and served his country for two years before his honorable discharge on November 14, 1964. After his discharge Burl moved to Colorado, where he met Doris Huelle. The two were united in marriage on July 3, 1966 in Nebraska. They lived in Colorado for a year before moving to Minnesota and making Villard their home. They were blessed with four daughters.

When they moved back to Villard, Burl went back to school, attending Alexandria Technical College. He then went on to work at Douglas Machine and Weyerhauser for a few years, where he developed an interest in packaging machinery. This interest, along with his creativity, led him to start his own business, Massman Automation Designs, Inc. Burl built his business from the ground up. He was very proud of his employees and his company. By the time Burl retired on June 30, 2005, the business had more than 50 employees.

Burl also found time to serve his community. He was mayor of Villard for two terms and was a member of the Villard Lions and the American Legion. He enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing and a good book. He will be remembered for his love of family, his creativity in designing and engineering, and his passion for flying and airplanes.

Burl is survived by his wife, Doris of Villard; four daughters, Shari (Randy) Schaub of Danube, Koni (Alan) Schmitz of Villard, Tricia (Gary) Lohre of Glenwood, and Kristi (Dan) Silvers of Sartell; seven grandchildren, Kelsi, Madison and Griffin Schaub, Kyle and Wade Schmitz and Derek and Amanda Lohre; sister, Donna Sabrowsky of Villard; and one brother, Dale Massmann of Villard.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Anna Massmann and an infant daughter, Kari Lee.

Funeral services were held Friday, August 21 at Saint John’s Lutheran Church in Villard with the Rev. Robert Petersen officiating. Interment was at Saint John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Villard.

To send condolences to the family, visit the funeral home website at www.hoplinhitchcockfuneralhome.com and click on obituaries.

Arrangements are with Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Glenwood.

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