Marian A. Mason

Marian Anna Mason, 95, of Winona, passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Lake Winona Manor.

She was the daughter of Arthur and Minnie (Matson) Grippen and was born October 24, 1930 in Durand, Wisconsin. Marian graduated from Durand High School and pursued a career as a Secretary. Marian worked for the Durand School District and the Pepin County Agent.

After marrying Thomas Mason in 1952 when he returned from the Korean war, Marian and Tom moved to Winona and Marian obtained a Secretarial Job with Watkins. In 1958 Marian and Tom started Mason’s Furniture and Rug Cleaning, which Marian managed for approximately 20 years prior to selling the business and working as a secretary for Central Lutheran Church. After retirement, Marian volunteered as the wedding coordinator for Central Lutheran Church.

Marian was a member of Westfield Golf Club and enjoyed her days on the fairway and trips with her friends to many warm locations. Marian could also be found playing cards and racquetball at the YMCA. Many weekends during the summer, you could find Marian and the family on the river fishing and waterskiing. The staple for the river was Marian’s “Sandbar Salad” which always seemed to contain a healthy dash of sand.

Marian was a Lay Minister and a member of Central Lutheran Church, the Shrine Auxiliary, Sons of Norway, Minnesota Marine Art Museum where she volunteered, Winona State University Learning Club, and the Society of Mayflower Descendants. Marian’s ancestry was traced back to Edward Fuller who came over on the Mayflower in 1620. In retirement, Marian sewed over 100 pieces per year of clothing and goods that would be donated to the Shriner’s Children's Hospital.

Marian is survived by one daughter; Monica Mason of Rochester, three sons; Mark (Susan Green) of Maplewood, Kent of Winona, and Matthew of LaCrescent. She is blessed with 9 grandchildren; Nathan (Becky) and Natasha Kilwine, Lucas (MacKenzie Lamphere) and Rachel Mason (Jaron Cramer), Jamie (Chad Ellinghuysen) Ashley Mason (Lucas Kronabusch), Joseph Mason, Benjamin Mason, and Michael Mason along with 7 Great Grandchildren. Marian is preceded in death by her ex-husband Thomas, parents; Arthur and Minnie Grippen, and her three older brothers; Edmund, Donald, and Wilbur.

Visitation will be held at Central Lutheran Church in Winona on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10 AM until the funeral service at 11 AM.

Burial will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Durand, WI.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Marian’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com