Michael Edward Mason was the only son of three children of Gaylord and Martha (Smith) Mason. Born June 8, 1948, in Humboldt, Nebraska, Mike grew up in the Stella area where he went to school, graduating in 1966 from Stella High School.
Mike entered the United States Army in August of 1967 and was stationed in Germany in the Military Police. He qualified as a Sharpshooter and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. After his honorable discharge in June of 1969, Mike returned to Stella.
On November 23, 1968, Mike was united in marriage to Jan Harbour in the Humboldt Christian Church. They made their home on a farm near Stella and would be blessed with three children: Arron, Jarrod, and Jynae.
After farming for several years, Mike began employment in other areas. He worked in Stella for Bunge and the Stella Elevator, and then with the Auburn Elevator, in Auburn, Nebraska. He then went to work with the City of Auburn in the Street Department.
Mike enjoyed being involved with his kids’ activities and volunteered with 4-H as they were growing. He took pride in raising his livestock and loved to mow, whether for himself or anyone and everyone else. He was a longtime member of the Stella Community Church.
As his health began to decline, Mike moved to Colonial Acres in Humboldt in July of 2021. It was there he passed away on Monday, February 19, 2024, at the age of 75 years, 8 months, and 11 days.
His parents, parents-in-law Leon and Oleta Harbour, and brother-in-law Dick Harbour preceded him in death.
Mike is lovingly remembered by his wife Jan; sons and daughters-in-law Arron and Amy of Wymore, Jarrod and Ann of Stella; daughter and son-in-law Jynae and Jeremy Clapper of Boise, ID; grandchildren Makayla and Kenzie Mason, Quinlynn Clapper, Stormy, Dakota (Jace) White, Savannah; sisters Sheila (Doc) Dunn of Stella, Marilyn (Larry) Lindgren of Kingsley, IA; sister-in-law Kay (Don) Koch of Lincoln; other relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Stella Community Church in Stella, officiated by Rev. John States. Burial of ashes will be held at a later date.
Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.
