Paul “Hopper” Daniel Masscho, 77, of Erie, IL, passed away Monday, April 26, 2021 at Heartland Health Care in Moline.
Visitation for family and friends will be from 3-7 pm Thursday, April 29, 2021 at Gibson-Bode Funeral Home, Erie. A private service will be held Friday followed by burial in the Erie Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Erie Fire Department, Erie Ambulance Service, or The Lewy Body Dementia Association.
Paul was born on February 15, 1944 in Moline, IL, the son of Rene and Betty (Boecher) Masscho. He was a 1962 graduate of Erie High School. After graduating, he joined the United States Army and served from 1963-1966, including eleven months in Vietnam. Paul married Karen Carpenter on March 7, 1964 at St. Ambrose Church in Erie. From 1966-1998 he was employed as a journeyman machinist at Williams-White Company in Moline. He then went on to work for Planetary Corporation of Davenport, where he retired in August 2007.
Paul served 25 years on the Erie Fire Department, retiring in 1994. He was an original member on the Erie Ambulance Service, as well as a member of the American Legion Post #582, where he served many years as commander and finance officer. Paul also served many years as president of the Erie Campground, Inc. Paul enjoyed camping, boating and spending time with his campground family.
Paul is survived by his wife Karen, daughters Teresa (Jerry) Heilman of Ida Grove, Iowa, Dawn (Brett) Garrison of Erie, Michele (Jim) Hines of Colona, and Nicole (David) Jones of Erie; grandchildren, Nick, Katelyn and Brad Heilman, Alex and Mathew Garrison, and Nathaniel and Elaina Hines; great-grandchildren, Chaz, Braxton, and Blaine; bonus grandchildren Nathan (Amanda), Chris, Tiffani (Matt), and Chelce (Jon); and 7 bonus great-grandchildren, Quentyn, Warren, Evianna, Adeline, Nolan, Maggie, and Graham.
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