Dean Mason

Dean Mason, 93 year old resident of Little Falls, MN passed away Friday, July 11, 2025 at St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth, MN. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, July 18, 2025 at First Lutheran Church in Little Falls, MN with Rev. Mary Kaye Ashley officiating. Burial will take place in the Evergreen Memorial Garden Cemetery in Brainerd, MN. Visitation will be held from 9:30-11:00 A.M. on Friday, July 18, 2025 at First Lutheran Church in Little Falls, MN. Caring for Dean and his family is the LeMieur Funeral Home in Little Falls, MN. Dean was born on June 15, 1932 in Dickinson, North Dakota to the late Elmer and Grace (Pederson) Mason. At the age of five he moved with his family to a 400-acre dairy farm in Minnesota, a place that would shape the rest of his life. He was active in 4-H during his youth, developing a deep connection to the land, livestock, and rural community life. Dean graduated from Little Falls High School and went on to attend the University of Minnesota School of Agriculture. His studies were cut short when he was called home to help with the family farm, where he played a key role in milking 100 registered Holsteins. His dedication and excellence in farming were later recognized when he was named Morrison County Farmer of the Year. In 1970, Dean and family moved into town and began a long career at National Bushing and Parts, where he worked faithfully until his retirement. Even off the farm, Dean remained a man of steady routine, quiet pride, and genuine friendships. Dean had a love for the outdoors. He especially enjoyed fly-in fishing trips to Canada and the yearly traditions of duck and deer hunting. He looked forward to coffee with the guys at the Royal Cafe, Friday night dinners with friends, and never passed up a good piece of pie. He loved watching the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. One of his proudest affiliations was with the Masons. Dean was a Worshipful Master and Life Member of Little Falls Masonic Lodge #140, where he found a strong sense of brotherhood and service. He was also a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church in Little Falls, MN. Dean’s first and favorite car was a yellow 1949 Chevrolet convertible. He never forgot it and carried a photo of it in his wallet for the rest of his life. He will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, his love of the land and community, and the joy he found in simple pleasures and faithful friendships. Dean is survived by children, Susan (Robert) Drew of Overland Park, KS, Steven (Shari) Mason of Austin, MN, Scott (Mary) Mason of Maple Grove, MN, and Thomas (Lois) Mason of Rockford, MN; significant other, Mary Lou Thesing of Little Falls, MN; grandchildren, Maxine (Spencer) Pfeifer, Benjamin Mason, Lindsey Mason, Jack Mason, Kathryn Drew, Mackenzie Drew, and Spencer Drew; great-grandchildren, Jane Pfeifer and Winston Pfeifer; brother, James (Darlene) Mason; and sister, Fern (Mel) Vojvodich. Dean was preceded in death by parents, Elmer and Grace Mason; wife, Betty Jane Mason; sister, Marjorie (Marvin) Falk. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the employees at Bridgeway Apartments for their care and compassion, and to the Thesing family for their love and support shown to Dean.

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Dean Mason

June 15, 1932 - July 11, 2025