Timothy William Mason
Timothy William Mason, 67, of Marquette, died Wednesday, Sept. 12, at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse. Tim was born on Oct. 8, 1950, in Prairie du Chien, the son of Charles J. and Cecelia Margaret (O’Brien) Mason. He graduated from Mar-Mac High School and went on to attend college at both NIACC in Mason City and the University of Iowa in Iowa City.
In 1978, Tim married Debra Holl. To this union, two daughters were born. The couple later divorced. Tim was united in marriage with Sara Proffitt in January of 1999 in Postville. Together with Sara as his life partner, Tim enjoyed a simple and fulfilling life, living on their Shantyboat, “Driftless,” during the summer months, and traveling throughout the United States during the winter season. Tim had a profound love for his wife, daughters and grandchildren. Family was always a priority in his life. He was an avid reader, bird watcher, environmental activist and had a love of history, especially for the river and indigenous people of northeast Iowa. He had a true talent in storytelling and writing and also enjoyed cycling. Tim loved watching his grandchildren in all their activities, taking them on hikes, watching them splash in the river, traveling with them and making them meals while camping. He was proud to teach acceptance and tolerance through his passionate view on politics. He was currently loving every snuggle he could get from his youngest granddaughter.
Tim’s love for Mother Earth is a gift to us all. As he would say, “I could not remember a time in my life when I was not in or on the Mississippi River.” Tim was employed by the National Parks Service for many years as a park ranger and was very proud of working at the Wisconsin Department of Corrections as a sergeant. He retired in 2008.
Tim is survived by his wife, Sara of Marquette; two daughters and seven grandchildren, Eva (Aaron) Swatek, Grace, Mason and Paisley of Marquette; Amber (Josh) Lupkes, Allie, Maya, Macie and Aiden of Central City; four brothers, Charlie III (Norma) Mason of Marquette, James (Janis) Mason of Marquette, Michael (Jane) Mason of Cary, Ill., and Dennis (Laurie) Mason of Marquette; three sisters, Marilyn Possehel, Carolyn (Ronnie) Ingham of Prairie du Chien, and Mary Klink of Elkader; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Patrick Mason; a sister, Cecilia Margaret; and two brothers-in-law, Bruce Posshel and Les Klink.
In honor of Tim’s memory, the family has requested that those who loved him volunteer their time at Effigy Mounds National Monument.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday morning, Sept. 17, at St. Mary Catholic Church in McGregor. Burial followed at St. Mary Catholic Church Cemetery, McGregor.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Services in McGregor is assisting the family.