John K. "Jack", Maser Jr.

Remembering Jack with Love... John K. "Jack" Maser, Jr., 88, of Ephrata, died of natural causes Thursday, November 30, 2006, at his home. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen (Shreiner), who died in 1992. Born March 12, 1918, in New Holland, he was a son of the late John K. and Emma ( Hoover ) Maser. Jack was a 1936 graduate of New Holland High School , and also attended Lancaster Business School . First employed by ABC Groff, New Holland, he then, with his brother, Jim, founded Jack Jim Maser, Inc., Brownstown, and subsidiary companies, including Ephrata Sand Gravel. As one of the largest excavation firms in the region during the 1950's, they built many of the area roads and bridges. The largest project the company undertook was helping with the construction of the Eisenhower Lock in the Saint Lawrence Seaway , for which they received a letter of commendation from the Queen of England. In later years he owned and operated a strip mining operation in Normalville , PA. He was a current member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church , Brownstown. An avid walker, Jack walked 6 miles daily, and enjoyed playing cards. He was a past member and deacon of Salem United Church of Christ Hellers, Leola; Ephrata Elks; Young Men's Business Club, New Holland; and the New Holland Boys Band. In his younger years, he had a small plane at the New Holland Airport and enjoyed flying. Jack and Helen also participated in boating, motorcycling, hunting and traveling. Jack is survived by 4 children, Carol Hillard, Ephrata; John Maser III, husband of Susan Lutz, Washington, DC; Charles Maser, companion of Jon L. Johnson, Lancaster; and Joy Maser-Briggs, wife of Thomas Briggs, Ephrata; 3 grandchildren, Jerry, Lindsay and Courtney; a great-grandchild, Gavin; brother, Bennie Maser, husband of Pat, Leola; 3 sisters, Esther Myers, widow of Leon, Ephrata; Jean Hornberger, wife of Richard, Brownstown; and Marian Gamber, wife of Harold, Maryland. He was predeceased by a brother, Jim, husband of Mary Ann, Lancaster . Memorial Service... Memorial services will be held Saturday, December 9, 2006, at 10 AM at Emmanuel United Methodist Church , Brownstown. Rather than flowers, contributions in Jack's memory may be made to the American Heart Association. 610 Community Way, Lancaster, PA 17603, and the American American Diabetes Association. Private inurnment in Memory Gardens Memorial Park, East Cocalico Township, PA.