Mason M. Mace, age 20 (or 83 if you do not go by leap years), formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died, Monday, Oct. 19, 2015, at his home in Ellsworth, Wisconsin.

Mason was born in Austin, Minnesota, on Feb., 29, 1932, to Mason and Elizabeth (Winn) Mace. Mason attended a one-room schoolhouse and would tell you he trudged uphill both ways and through three foot drifts of snow to get there. He always described Hazel Johnson as the best teacher he ever had, but we are not sure Hazel would describe him as her best student.

He was active in 4-H and has a box full of ribbons to show for it. He was very proud of his son Ron’s accomplishments in 4-H, and hopefully, in the afterlife, he will get over the fact that he could not convince his daughter Amy to show animals.

He graduated from Austin High School and spent his early adult years farming. He then became a salesman, selling marking guns and labels most recently. Mason married Ramona Christianson in June of 1952 and they were married for 39 years before Ramona’s death in 1991. After Ramona’s death, Mason had a long-time relationship with Yvonne Wright for more than 15 years before her death in 2009.

Mason loved life and to spend time visiting or playing cards/games with relatives and friends. Mason was a practical joker and loved to laugh and make others laugh. He would be pleased that he was able to continue working and living independently until his death. He would describe his demise as a “corker.” He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Mason is survived by his children: Ronald (Kim) Mace, Austin, Minnesota and Amy (Tim Parlin) Mace, New Brighton, Minnesota; four granddaughters: Melissa (Brett) Hussey, Megan (Brent) Wilde, Elena Parlin, and Vienna Parlin; two great-granddaughters: Charliee Wilde and Hazel Hussey; along with many other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26, at the Clasen-Jordan Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Scott Roser officiating. Interment will be in the Udolpho Cemetery. Visitation will be at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary for one hour before the service on Monday.