Dana Reid Mason

Dana R. Mason, 72, passed away at his home on August 23, 2025, due to complications from a medical condition. He was born on July 16, 1953, to the late William and Susan (Torosian) Mason. Dana graduated from L.P. Goodrich High School in 1971. He was self-employed for many years, owning a bar and grill as well as a semi-truck. He also drove semi for other companies.

Dana loved to fish, garden, cook, and watch his son play rugby. He expressed his love for his family and friends by cooking for them. For his son’s birthday every year, Dana would make Jake’s favorite Armenian food. Dana also enjoyed listening to music, watching drag racing, and watching movies, especially Hallmark movies. In his younger years, he raced a car or two down the dragstrip.

Dana will be sadly missed by his son Jacob; brother David; sister Jennifer (Lydell II) Newby; nieces and nephews; aunts, uncles, and cousins; godchildren; and his life-long friend Tom (Lu) Carlson. He will also be missed by his former wife, Kathy Mason, whose care and support in recent months was deeply appreciated by Dana and Jake. Dana was preceded in death by his father; mother; a brother, William Mason II; grandparents; and aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A gathering for family and friends will be held on Sunday, September 21 at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 North Superior Street, Appleton, Wisconsin from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider bringing a photo to leave with Jake and/or capturing your favorite memory or story in writing to give to Jake. If you desire, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Dana to your favorite charity.

A special thank you to Ed and Donna Hietpas for helping Dana over the years, particularly these last several months. You were a blessing to him, and he appreciated all you did for him.