Daniel Thomas Mason

Daniel Mason, 52, of Eagan, MN died peacefully in his home with his beloved wife, Deb, on January 17, 2019 after a challenging two year battle with rectal cancer. 

Dan was born in Cleveland and grew up in Brunswick, Ohio.  He graduated in 1985 from Brunswick High School, from Case Western Reserve University with a Polymer Engineering Degree in 1990 and an MBA from Baldwin-Wallace College in 1993.  Dan was a first-generation college student in his family. 

In high school, Dan will be remembered as being energetic, friendly and always smiling and laughing.  He wrestled and played football.  He was athlete of the year.  He was active in choir, show choir, theater and student council.  He was a stellar student and member of NHS.  In college, he played football and wrestled.  He was President of both his Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity as well as the Interfraternity Congress.

Dan was loyal to his family and friends.  He loved God, food, exercise, sports, singing, parties, politics, family vacations and his male bonding trips.  In summer of 1984, Dan and Deb met working at Convenient Food Mart in Brunswick, Ohio. In 1991, they married in Strongsville, Ohio.  Dan was most proud of his boys, Drew and Dave.  Dan loved coaching them in football, baseball, basketball and wrestling.  It was an awesome day if Dan could get to the gym in the morning, lunch and then evening.  Dan was a faithful Cleveland Browns, Indians, Cavaliers and Ohio State Buckeye fan.  He loved to sing in the church choir, in the shower, basement and the car.  Over the last ten years, he especially enjoyed his vacations with family and friends to National Parks, another reminder of God’s presence here on earth.  He enjoyed camping and campfires. He loved the warmer climate and traveling south, especially in the winter. 

When Dan set a goal, he was intensely focused until he figured out how to achieve it.  This attribute helped him to succeed in the workplace as well.  Over the years, he was employed by PCC Airfoils, Avery Dennison, Honeywell, Solutia and finally as a Business Development Manager at 3M.  In 1995, Avery Dennison moved Dan and Deb from Cleveland to Detroit.  In 2010, 3M moved the Mason’s from Detroit to Minneapolis/St. Paul.  Dan loved his work and never stopped 24/7.  At Avery Dennison, he was awarded a US Patent (release coated liners and security labels).  He was a wonderful provider and supportive of Deb being a stay-at-home mom with the boys. He will always be remembered for his magnetic personality, his love of life, and his devout Catholic faith.

Daniel Mason is survived by his wife of 27 years, Deborah Mason; son Andrew Mason; son David Mason; mother Rosemary Mason; sister Lynn Nair (Roger); sister Karen Mason.  He was preceded in death by his father Arrel Mason.

Because of Dan’s love of God and his Catholic faith, memorial contributions can be made to St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 4030 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, MN 55122 or St. Benedict Parish, 80 S. Lynn St., Waterford, MI 48328.

Please join us to celebrate Dan’s life.  In Minnesota, on Saturday, January 26th Visitation will be from 1:30-3:00 pm, Funeral Mass at 3:00 pm with dinner following at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 4030 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, MN 55122.  In Ohio, Memorial Mass, burial and celebration TBD at a later date. 

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