Services held for Mildred Mason

Mildred Elizabeth (Betty) Mason, age 96, died peacefully of natural causes at Folkstone Senior Living Community, Wayzata, MN on Wednesday, June 15. Her son, Michael, was at her side; other family members visited her the day and evening prior to her death.

Betty was born on Aug. 12, 1919 in Clinton, IA to Charles William and Laura (Barnes) Dunkelberger. In 1941, she married the love of her life, Monte A. Mason, who died on Oct. 12, 2012.

In 1941, Betty earned her B.A. in music from Macalester College, St. Paul. She was a devoted wife and mother to the couple’s three children. She was an active member of the Minnesota Music Teachers Association and accredited by the National Music Teachers Association. Her professional career included developing a piano studio which eventually totaled 50 students. Betty served as the “front office staff” of the Monticello Times, which she and Monte owned and operated in Monticello, MN for four years.

Betty was an active volunteer wherever she lived, serving her church in many capacities, and, in later years, loving her volunteer time at Head Start. The young children, as well as the staff, were very dear to her. 

Betty will especially be remembered for her excellent pies. Her delicious pie crusts set an almost impossibly high standard for other bakers in the family. As a result, restaurant and commercial pies simply “will not do” for anyone raised eating her pies for dessert!

Long-term summer residents at Clearwater Lake, Betty and Monte were among the original members of the Clearwater Lake Association. Monte began going to Clearwater Lake in 1932, when his parents purchased what became the extended family’s summer place. Monte and Betty built their cabin in 1967 and, following Monte’s retirement, they spent many happy seasons, from late spring through late fall, at the lake fishing, deer hunting, and spending time with family and friends. 

Betty is survived by the couple’s three children: Michael (Nancy) Mason, Chanhassen; Monte M. Mason, Minneapolis; Merry (Rodger) Whipple, Neenah, WI; four grandchildren: Scott Mason and Emily Mason (Austin Brown), Chicago, IL; Thomas Whipple (Lore Bollengier), Austin, TX; and Anne (Scott Latimer) Whipple, Vita, Manitoba; as well as by several generations of nieces and nephews. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings Granville (Carol) Dunkelberger and Mary (Robert) Cassiday. 

A service celebrating Betty’s life was held on Friday, June 24 at Excelsior United Methodist Church, Excelsior, MN with the Rev. Katie Schneider-Bryan officiating. Interment will be at the East Zion Cemetery, Leonard, MN at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Betty may be made to Excelsior United Methodist Church, 881 3rd Avenue, Excelsior, MN 55331, or to the Jeremiah Program, Minneapolis-St. Paul at 1510 Laurel Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55403. (The Jeremiah Program helps low-income single mothers and their children move into a life of economic independence.)