Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Robert Roy Mason, 88, of Winneconne, passed away at home on Friday, October 2, 2015.
Robert was born in Milwaukee, on May 30, 1927, to John and Adeline Mason. He is survived by his wife, Marvel (Wenzel); daughters, Leslie, of Winneconne; Ellen (Howard) Schneider, of Winneconne; and Kathryn (Charles) Western, of Mequon, four grandchildren, Jeanne (Boris) Strepacki, Michael (Tara) Schneider, Nicholas (Christina) Mason, and Daniel (Heidi) Mason; and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley (the late Robert) Draves; and a large extended family and many friends.
Robert attended North Division High School and graduated from Marquette University with Bachelor's degrees in both Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration. During World War II Robert served as a Private First Class in the Army Air Core. He and Marvel were married on February 24, 1951, at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church of Milwaukee. Robert began working at Milwaukee Gas Light Company, (later Wisconsin Gas Company) on November 9, 1949. Before his retirement in May of 1985 he served as Assistant Chief Engineer, Distribution Engineer, Manager of Customer Service, and General Manager of Consumer Services and was the company's spokesman on television, radio, and in the newspaper. He was a member of the Milwaukee Kiwanis Club for 18 years, serving as president in 1990 and a member of the Winneconne Kiwanis Club for 8 years where he served as president for 2 years.
Robert and Marvel both enjoyed playing tennis, both singles and doubles, for most of their married life. They played in many clubs and leagues in the Milwaukee area. Robert was a skilled artist, painting watercolors. He was a member of the League of Milwaukee Artists. In 1975 he began painting the family Christmas cards, about 140 a year. Over the years he has created paintings as gifts and as donations for fund raisers, including the Channel 10 auction. His paintings can be found hanging in the homes of family and friends in 14 states.
Robert and Marvel lived in Milwaukee and later Glendale until they built their home on Lake Winneconne in 1997 and moved to the land that his parents bought in 1941. Robert grew up visiting their family cottage on the land and helped to build the cottage and boat house. Moving to Winneconne fulfilled his lifelong dream of living on the lake. He shared his love of the area with his own family and as a result his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all call the lake home their vacation retreat.
Robert was baptized as a child of God as an infant and confirmed his faith at Emmaus Lutheran Church, in Milwaukee when he was 13 years old. He was an active member of the several churches that he attended throughout his life and lived with the assurance that the Lord was always at his side.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Friday, October 9, 2015, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home 904 E. Main St. Winneconne. A funeral service will be held on Friday at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Mark Wilkens officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2450 9th Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54904 are appreciated.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.
Melissa Harwick nee. Ernst wrote on October 20, 2015
Bob was a truly great man! I feel blessed to have gotten to know him (and dance with him. My sincerest condolences to his wonderful family!
Bob & Jeanne Jenkel wrote on October 8, 2015
Our prayers go out to the Mason family. We will miss the visits with Bob on his front porch. A great guy with an even greater sense of humor. Every Christmas I will think of Bob and how he painted those beautiful cards. Marvel once told me she would get nervous because sometimes it would be days before Christmas and Bob was still planning what he would paint. No doubt though, he would pull it off and come up with another masterpiece!
Wendy Warrick wrote on October 8, 2015
Bob Mason, along with Marvel were my godparents when I was a child. I have very fond memories of living next door, and later of my family traveling to Wisconsin for weekend visits with them thru t my childhood. I remember Bob as having a great sense of humor, and as being a very demonstrative and outgoing person. He supported my artwork by he and Marvel showing up for my senior art show at college. After college he helped me to get my first job in Milwaukee. May God Bless him on his transition into the next phase of his existence. And my deepest sympathy to Marvel, Leslie, Ellen, Katy,
Carolyn & Jim Landwehr wrote on October 7, 2015
Our prayers and love to all of you - still remember when we first moved in how Bob bounced Karl on his knee. The boys were always going over to watch him work. We have so memory wonderful memories, we could write a book.
Andy Haig wrote on October 5, 2015
Pretty darn neat dad to have around the neighborhood when we were kids. Peace to him and your family.
Bob and Sue Warrick wrote on October 5, 2015
Bob and Marvel were our next door neighbors back in 1958 and we've been close friends ever since. Tennis, fishing, bridge and talking are all good memories. We remember how Bob's bridge bidding often made the game very exciting! As a result we usually won at bridge - but got beat at tennis. Now rest in peace, Bob.
Barb Haig wrote on October 4, 2015
We all loved knowing Mr. Mason as we were growing up and grew to appreciate his artwork as adults. Hugs to everyone...
Ron Draves wrote on October 4, 2015
You were the best uncle a nephew could wish for. Glad you were mine Uncle Bob. Fond memories of your rich life will last forever.
Lisa Kurdziel wrote on October 4, 2015
To the Mason clan, I was so very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I'll always remember his sense of humor and a little bit of mischief thrown in. I have a beautiful watercolor of the Milwaukee skyline that he painted for my Dad--so very talented. Ellen recently exported some silver dollar seeds to me from Bob and Marvel's garden (I think originally from Glendale). I remember being enlisted to help my Mom take these apart for decorative purposes. They are happily growing in Colorado now and will remind me of Bob. My prayers are with you and hope you are all doing OK.
Phil & Nancy Featheringill wrote on October 4, 2015
Our condolences to your families on the loss of Bob. We didn't know Bob well but the contact we did have with him and Marvel was very much appreciated and enjoyed. Again our sympathies to you all.
Margo and Jerry Haig wrote on October 4, 2015
Our prayers go with the family. Bob was a treasured neighbor and friend.
Judi Hinrichs Majewski wrote on October 4, 2015
One of my best memories is spending the night with Ellen and Mr. Mason making us mini chocolate sundaes in shot glasses. The next morning, Ellen's mom questioned what the shot glasses had been used for:) I also remember reading comic books and sleeping in the tent in the back yard and Mrs. Mason's wonderful lumberjack pancakes (I still have the recipe).
Ron Draves wrote on October 4, 2015
You were the best uncle a nephew could wish for. Glad you were mine Uncle Bob. Fond memories of your rich life will last forever.