It is so good to know in the aftermath of the May 28 Verso Paper Co. explosion, the man who died in that tragedy is not being forgotten.
Jon Maus, 50, of Albany, left behind a wife, Lucy, and their four children – Anthony, 22; Philip, 18; Olivia, 13; and Veronica, 7. There is a strong bond, a togetherness, among the Maus family members. That kind of togetherness is also evident far and wide as people and businesses prepare for a fundraising event from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, July 22 at Bernick’s Arena in Sartell.
Originally, the idea for the fundraiser for Maus’s family survivors came from Vern Barthel of Sauk Rapids, who knew Maus as a fellow Verso worker; and Barthel’s son, Aaron, of Sartell. Aaron is a founding member of Revolution 5, a Beatles cover-band that will perform at the event. The Barthels, father and son, got the ball rolling. Since then, many people, organizations, a labor union and businesses have contributed, generously offering their time, money and donated items.
At the fundraiser there will be raffle prizes, lunch and beverages for purchase. Also for sale will be “Remember Jon” T-shirts. All of the proceeds will go to Lucy Maus and her four children.
Everyone who met Maus describes him as hard-working, friendly, family-oriented and lots of fun. He was obviously the quintessential good guy, the kind everyone is grateful to have as a co-worker, friend, acquaintance, family member and neighbor. Maus impacted the lives of many people. Since his death, his family continues to receive cards and letters from those who knew him when he grew up in St. Paul. Maus’s wife was astounded by all the support the family has received from people who knew and admired her husband.
Lucy and her children plan to be at the fundraiser.
Admittance to the event at Bernick’s Arena is free, by the way. Those who have never had the pleasure of hearing Revolution 5 are in for a genuine treat. The superb band, which sounds uncannily like the Beatles, plays tunes from the entire span of the Liverpool lads’ career. It’s not to be missed.
We hope there is a standing-room only capacity audience at the July 22 fundraiser. Let’s show the Maus family that we, who do not even know them personally, care too, and that we wish them will as they proceed through their journey of grief and sorrow.