Tom Mason

Born: December 23, 1956
Died: May 29, 2021
Age: 64

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Devoted husband, father and friend to many, Tom Mason, age 64, of Sac City, IA passed away suddenly on Saturday, May 29, 2021, at Loring Hospital in Sac City. Thomas Glenn Mason was born on December 23, 1956, the only child to parents James and Ruth (Zimmerman) Mason in Sac City. He was delivered by Dr. C.D. Gibson, the father of his future wife. He grew up in Sac City where he attended grade school and graduated from Sac Community High School with the class of 1975. Tom continued his education at DMACC in Ankeny, IA where he studied Mechanical Drafting. Sadly, in his early twenties, Tom was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, but he was not about to let that hold him back. After being treated with chemotherapy and radiation, he went into full remission. This is a testament to the strength of Tom’s brave spirit and tenacity.

On May 14, 1983, Tom was united in marriage to the love of his life, Sally Jo Gibson at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sac City. This union was blessed with two sons, Taylor and Zach.

He and Sally raised their family in Sac City where Tom worked as a computer-aided design (CAD) draftsman for several businesses including Otto & Culver, M-E-R engineering, and Kuehl & Payer engineering. He valued his career, but anyone who knew Tom could easily see that out of all the things he enjoyed in life, spending time with his family was at the top of his list. The boys were his pride and joy. Tom dedicated himself to supporting their interests and hobbies, most notably their sports. He rarely missed a game or event. Tom even volunteered to coach the boys’ teams in elementary school just so he could spend extra time sharing in the fun of the activities they so loved.

Tom’s hobbies were many. He took great pride in cooking, canning and even growing his own vegetables in his garden.

Tom was a master angler and was fond of all things outdoors; biking, golfing, hunting deer, turkey, pheasant, and the occasional neighborhood cat (BB gun only). He was an early member of the Sauk Archery Club and past member of the Sportsman’s Pond. He also shared his boys’ love of sports and was an avid Oakland Raiders and Iowa Hawkeyes fan. Some of Tom’s most treasured memories were made watching the Iowa Hawkeyes play at Kinnick Stadium. In addition to football, Tom also liked to keep up with track and field and watch the wild birds at the feeders. He was a quick-witted prankster and delighted in teasing the ones nearest and dearest to him. He would never turn down a chance to play Trivial Pursuit and loved playing (and winning at) cards, mainly poker. Spending time with his family always came first. Tom never missed a Zimmerman Thanksgiving or a 4^th of July picnic.

Tom’s love of life and adventurous spirit were contagious, and he will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Sally Jo Mason of Sac City, IA; sons Taylor James Mason of Sioux Falls, SD and Zachary Thomas Mason of Sioux Falls, SD; sisters-in-law Peggy (John) Alder of Westminster, CO, Teresa Kukolja of Palm Springs, CA, Joanne (Rich) Wells of Rapid City, SD, Marilyn Longman of Sac City, IA, and Julie (Jeff) Beaudoin of Omaha, NE; brother-in-law Jim (Mary) Dowling of Lake View, IA; his trusted dog companions, Max and Gage; many other extended family members and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Jim and Ruth Mason, in-laws Doc and Mary Jean Gibson, and nephew Darin Longman.

Tribute Video

SERVICES

10:00 a.m., Saturday
June 5, 2021
St. Mary's Catholic Church
Sac City, Iowa

OFFICIATING

Deacon Butch Stone

VISITATION

5:00 - 8:00 p.m., Friday
June 4, 2021
St. Mary's Catholic Church
Sac City, Iowa

INTERMENT

Oakland Cemetery
Sac City, Iowa

Condolences

Monday, August 16, 2021 at 9:30 AM

“To a great tennis partner. So many nights we played until the lights went out, and I'll always remember the laughter and all the crazy trash talk. Such a great time and great memories of a great guy.”

- Larry Sorensen

Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at 3:39 PM

“So sorry for your loss, Tom & I had the same birthday only a year apart. Tom was always well liked, and we did worked together at K & P, but I was in Algona ”

- Mark Wolf

Monday, June 7, 2021 at 11:32 AM

“I'm so sorry for your loss Sally. You and your family are in my prayers. Tom was the fun cousin we had. He taught us how to play football. We always had fun at the family reunions.”

- Joyce (Zimmerman) Callesto

Monday, June 7, 2021 at 11:32 AM

“Our thoughts and prayers to all of you. Tom touched many lives in our world. ”

- David and Cindy Wuebker

Monday, June 7, 2021 at 11:32 AM

“My deepest sympathy for your sudden loss. It's heartbreaking that he didn't have more time to spend with you, Sally. Hugs and prayers to you and your sons. ”

- Jane Hokanson Hawks

Monday, June 7, 2021 at 11:32 AM

“I watched the video and it said it all. You can tell his family was very important to him. I watched Sally and Tom fall in love, get married and raise a family. He will be missed but will live forever in your heart and memories. My thoughts are with you all. ”

- Deb Shull

Friday, June 4, 2021 at 11:50 AM

“I worked with Tom for 20 years at Kuehl & Payer. He was a good coworker and an excellent draftsman. I spent many coffee breaks and noon hours trying to beat him in basketball but never did. He was good to work with and was always willing to help me with my projects. My deepest sympathies to all of you. ”

- Jeff Krueger