Arthur “Lee” Mason, age 83, of Early, Iowa, passed away on Friday, April 4, 2008, at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 8th, at the United Methodist Church in Early with Rev. DeeAnn Klapp officiating. Burial will be at the Early Union Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.

Visitation is from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, April 7th, at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City where there will be a Masonic Service at 7:00 p.m.

Lee was born on May 24, 1924, on the Greenbush Farm near Early, Iowa, the son of Elmer Duane and Clara (Baxter) Mason. He graduated from Early High School in 1941 and was united in marriage to Joyce Mentzer on March 10, 1946. Three sons were born to this union: Richard, Randall, and William. Joyce passed away on May 6, 1995. Lee married Hallie Woolrich in June of 1996.

Farming was his life. He looked forward to each spring with great anticipation waiting until it was just right to plant his crops, watching them grow and keeping them weed free, followed in the fall with each harvest. Farming was his life but his family was his love. He was a devoted husband and loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many. He treasured his children and grandchildren and loved their family gatherings. Coffee with the gang at the restaurant, playing cards and a round of golf gave him great joy. He will be remembered for his ready smile and sense of humor.

Lee was a member of the Methodist Church in Early and the Wheeler Masonic Lodge No. 398 A. F. & A. M. of Odebolt.

Survivors include his wife Hallie; his three sons: Richard Mason and wife Jan of Early; Randall Mason and wife Mona of Storm Lake; and William Mason of Odebolt; three step-children: Jackie Jones and husband Richard of Las Cruces, New Mexico; Robert Woolrich and wife Ronnie of Olympia, Washington; and Brad Woolrich and wife JoAnn of Albuquerque, New Mexico; five grandchildren: Jill (Jared) Hemphill, Joshua (Becca) Mason, Ashley Mason, Justin Mason, and Christopher Mason; five step grandchildren: Aaron Woolrich, Chelsea Jones, Lora Jones, Kyle Woolrich, and Andrew Woolrich; and one step great-granddaughter Isabelle Adams. Other survivors include his sister Dorothy Ehler and husband Gerald of Sac City; many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents; wife Joyce; and two brothers and their wives: Donald and Helen Mason and Robert and Mary Louise Mason.