Hugo "Shorty" Massmann

Hugo C. “Shorty” Massmann, age 84 of Melrose passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at his home in Melrose, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 5 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich with Rev. Dan Walz officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Friday all at the church in New Munich. St. Joseph’s Men’s Society will pray a rosary at 4 p.m. on Thursday.

Hugo Casper Massmann was born on July 11, 1941 in New Munich, Minnesota to Felix and Elizabeth (Eickhoff) Massmann. He attended school in New Munich through the eighth grade, but his true passion was always farming. He was known for his strong work ethic, kind heart, and willingness to lend a helping hand whenever someone was in need. Hugo especially enjoyed raising angus cattle and spending time in the tractor doing fieldwork. Farming was not just his occupation—it was his way of life and a source of great pride and joy.

On July 12, 1975, Hugo was united in marriage to Virginia Dieger at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and farming. He was a devoted member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich, where he served on the Parish Council and was a member of the St. Joseph Society.

Hugo enjoyed dancing polkas and waltzes and took great pleasure in teaching his children and grandchildren how to dance. He also loved playing 500 with family and friends, visiting loved ones, and helping others whenever he could. His warm smile, generous spirit, and dedication to family and community will be remembered by all who knew him.

Survived by his loving wife, Virginia Massmann of Melrose; his children, Lorie (Ben) Skwira of Holdingford, Lynn Malley of Albany, Donna (Randy) Roske of Burtrum, Matthew (Rhesa) Massmann of Freeport, Joseph (Jamie) Massmann of Melrose, and Joshua (DeeDee) Massmann of Sauk Centre; grandfather of 22 grandchildren, with one grandchild on the way; brother, Fred (Beatrice) Massmann of Sauk Centre; sister, Mary (Clem) Kremers of Rockville; and his sisters-in-law, Nancy Massmann of Sauk Rapids and Karen Massmann of Melrose.

Hugo was preceded in death by his parents; his infant daughter, Sarah; his sisters, Sandra Massmann, Jeanette (Warren) Hoechen, and Joan (Rupert) Weyer; his brothers, Julius (Claris) Massmann, Godfrey (Rita) Massmann, Clarius “Larry” Massmann, and Bill Massmann; and son-in-law, Alphonse “Al” Malley.