Mildred Justine Jahn was born January 20, 1933 in Falls City, Nebraska. She was one of nine children of Mike and Maude (Stump) Jahn and graduated from Falls City High School.
After high school Midge attended Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln for one year. During summer break she met James Mason and didn’t return to classes in the fall. They were married in March of 1953 in Falls City and would be blessed with three sons, James II, William, and Robert. The couple first lived in Sioux City, Iowa, where James was stationed, before returning to Falls City.
Throughout her life Midge was involved in the restaurant industry. She worked at or helped run businesses in southern Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska including the Jayhawk Café in Marysville, Falls City Country Club, and the Brownville House. She also worked as a nurse for Dr. Gentry for a time.
Midge was a longtime member of the Methodist Church, first in Brownville, then Falls City, and most recently First United Methodist Church in Auburn. She always put others first and was there to care of everyone else. In the little spare time she had, Midge was involved in the Sabetha Saddle Club, Brownville Historical Society and the Fine Arts Association, Brownville Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, and the Brownville Village Board.
She was a devoted Husker fan and enjoyed playing cards and bingo, hunting mushrooms, fishing, and being outdoors in general.
On September 12, 2022, Midge became a resident of the Good Samaritan Society in Auburn, Nebraska. It was there she passed away on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at the age of 89 years, 7 months, and 23 days. Her parents, husband Jim, son Robert Allen, brothers Bob, Bill, and Rick, and sister Marge preceded her in death.
Midge is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law James A., II and Debbie Mason of Auburn, William Michael and Henrietta Mason of Moundville, AL; daughter-in-law Patti Mason of Auburn; grandchildren Shannon (Brad) Homeyer, Jennifer (James) McKemie, Max (Shannon) Mason, Brook Mason; great-grandchildren Jacob Cockle, Dosson McKemie, Carter and Ainsley Mason; siblings Keith, Betty, Barbara, Donald; other relatives and friends.
A memorial service, officiated by Rev. Jim Corson, was held on Monday, September 19, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church in Auburn. Mary Lauber was accompanist for congregational singing. Honorary bearers were Jacob Cockle, Dosson McKemie, Carter Mason, and Ainsley Mason. Burial of ashes will be at a later date at the Rulo Cemetery at Rulo, Nebraska.
Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.
