Maass, David A.

Age 96, of Orono, Minnesota passed away April 29, 2026.

Raised in a household steeped in the traditions of the outdoors—his mother Ora, a Minnesota trapshooting champion and his stepfather, Kelly, an enthusiastic hunting mentor—David developed his early relationship with wildlife through a boyhood spent observing and sketching all things in nature. These formative experiences cultivated both his affection for wild creatures and his intimate knowledge of their behavior, which later became the hallmark of his paintings.

David entered the art world without formal instruction, beginning instead on the shop floor of Jostens in 1947, where he eventually rose to the role of art director in 1950. His artistic development accelerated through friendships with fellow wildlife artists—including David Hagerbaumer, whom he met during his proud service with the United States Marine Corps in San Diego, California in the early 1950s, where he served actively for two years and in the reserves for six. Returning to Minnesota, he committed fully to painting by 1964, blending technical precision with a naturalist’s sensibility.

A prolific contributor to wildlife conservation, David designed thirtyeight duck and conservation stamps, including two Federal Duck Stamp Contest winning entries—an honor he achieved in both 1974 and 1982. His work for Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Delta Waterfowl and numerous state and national organizations helped raise millions of dollars for habitat preservation across North America. His 1974 designation as Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year was the first of five such honors over subsequent decades, a significant honor for which David was very proud.

David had a lifelong relationship with his publishing company Wild Wings, a Lake City, Minnesota business founded by the late Bill Webster, one of David’s closest friends. Together they and numerous fellow artists created one of the strongest brands in sporting art, a relationship which lasted well into David’s 90’s.

He worked to create paintings which were both artistically pleasing, but also accurate in the eyes of avid sportsmen who appreciated the way he captured birds in flight, the movement of big water across a marsh, and sunlight peeking through a cloudy fall sky.

Outside of art, David loved spending time with his family, whether canoeing, hunting, taking in sporting events, traveling or his daily early morning walks with his wife Ann. He will be greatly missed by all, but we are lucky to have had such a long time together.

David was preceded in death by parents: Ora and Kelly Jacobs and Arthur and Elizabeth Maass; brother Ed (Diane)Maass and sister Margie Graham Murphy; sister-in-law Nita Jacobs; wife Kim. Dave is survived by his wife of 40 years Ann Maass; children Jenni (Al) Doyle and Paul (Jenny) Springmeyer; grandchildren Katherine and Andrew Springmeyer; siblings Bill Jacobs, Norton (Jan) Maass and Mary (Steve) Christ.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 9, 11:00 AM at Trinity Luthern Long Lake, 2060 County Rd. 6, Long Lake, MN. Visitation one hour prior to service. Memorials preferred to Trinity Lutheran Long Lake or Ducks Unlimited.