Charles J. Mason
Charles Jeffrey Mason, 60, of Marquette, never gave up his fight with cancer. He put his faith and trust in God and let God carry him home on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
An inspiration to all, a patriot, a faithful servant of God, a loving husband, father, brother and son, a member of the “Marquette Mason Clan,” a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, a kind friend and a loving soul are just a handful of the countless attributes and roles Charlie Mason embodied in his lifetime. Charlie was a man of few words, but much action, always ready to help others in any way he could. He was a friend to many and a role model of faith and perseverance to all. Charlie is a true American hero. If one’s wealth is measured by the love of your family, the admiration of friends, a strong sense of patriotism, and true faith in God, Charlie Mason was a very rich man!
Charlie was born in Prairie du Chien, Wis., on Feb. 8, 1964 to Charles John and Norma Jean (Kelch) Mason. He was the oldest of four children and a model big brother, who was greatly loved and respected by his siblings, Cindy, Nick and Stacie.
Charlie graduated from Mar-Mac High School in 1982 and immediately joined the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving from 1982-1986. He was united in marriage to Julianne Soules at St. Mary Catholic Church, McGregor, on July 21, 1995. To this beautiful union was born two sons, Charles Joseph (CJ) Mason and Cody Nicholas Mason.
For 22 years, Charlie was employed at CJ Moyna & Sons, of Elkader, as a heavy equipment mechanic. This was a career in which he found much pride, was very skilled and served as a mentor to many others. Charlie was an avid outdoorsman, finding great joy and solace in nature. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, often spending quality time with his sons, cousins and friends in these pursuits. Charlie was an excellent marksman, often further honing his sharpshooting skills, even when they were close to perfect! Charlie also loved the yearly, extended family vacations that included fishing, games, great food, fun adventures, storytelling and memory-making.
In 2016, Charlie was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma. He bravely battled that for several years. Always staying positive and fighting valiantly, he briefly went into remission. In 2018, he was diagnosed with stage four non-small cell lung cancer. These health conditions are attributed to his service to our country and a part of the Camp Lejeune water contamination disaster. Charlie endured extensive treatments and surgeries, rarely complaining. Despite it all, he remained a dedicated patriot. Charlie bravely fought this battle with cancer for many years and always maintained a true spirit of never giving up.
Charlie was a United States Marine Corps Veteran, an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church and a member of the Marquette American Legion Post 305. He is survived by his beloved wife, Julianne, and their sons, CJ and Cody. Charlie is also survived by his mother, Norma Mason, sisters Cindy (John) Corlett and Stacie (Dak Le) Mason, brother Nick Mason and niece Megan Corlett, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. Charlie is preceded in death by his father, Charlie, and his beloved niece, Molly Corlett.
Charlie continues to be a true inspiration and hero to all. He battled this terrible disease with such grace, holding on to his enduring faith and trust in God. He was always so grateful for the loving support of his family, friends and community.
A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., with a public rosary at 3:30 p.m., on Tuesday, May 14, at St. Mary Catholic Church in McGregor. There will also be a one-hour visitation before Mass at the church on Wednesday.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15, at St. Mary Catholic Church in McGregor, with Rev. Martin Coolidge as the celebrant.
Interment with military rites will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, McGregor.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Homes and Cremation Service of McGregor is assisting the family with services.
