Karen Mason

Karen “Jones” Mason, 85, of Pine River, MN, passed away on April 17, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Brainerd, MN, with her daughter and granddaughter by her side.

Karen was born August 4, 1938, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, to Mick and Clara Jones. She grew up in Pine River, MN, and graduated high school in 1956. She briefly attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, before moving to Minneapolis. While there, she worked at Lutheran Brotherhood for 4 years. On February 2, 1961, she married Tom Mason and they continued to live in Minneapolis, as he owned a TV repair shop, where she worked until 1967, when their daughter Susan was born in May. When Susan was 2, they moved to Colorado Springs, where Karen stayed busy playing piano for church and selling Avon door-to-door. In spring of 1972, Karen and Susan moved back to Pine River. Karen worked for Rexall Drug, The Pine River Legion, and then the Pine River Elementary School, where she was secretary to the principal(s) for 32 years. She was a pillar of awesomeness at that school until she retired at the age of 65.

When she wasn’t busy “running” the school, Karen enjoyed Wednesday night league bowling with her bowling gang, camping with family, tending her many flower gardens, playing piano and the organ for First Lutheran Church for 25 years, singing for many weddings, cheering on her favorite team (the Minnesota Twins), going on shopping trips with her daughter, and eventually attending every possible thing her grandkids were involved in. Oh, how she loved her grandkids!

Karen’s infectious smile and kind heart made her friends wherever she went. Ask anyone who knew her and they will tell you, “Karen was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.” And we’re all going to miss her hugs!

She leaves behind her only child, Susan (Brian Bryant); her beloved grandchildren, Nathan (Sonja) Kottschade, Aaron Kottschade, and Madison Bryant; one great grandchild, Elvyn Mick Kottschade; nephews, David (Cindy) Jones, and Doug (Karla) Jones; special nieces, Jennifer (Terry) Michael and Jill (Mike) Stiller. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mick and Clara (Gravdahl) Jones; brother, Bud Jones; special brother, Jerry Gravdahl; and niece, Diane Jones.

Karen’s celebration of life will be Saturday, May 18, at 11 AM, with visitation one hour before at First Lutheran Church, Pine River. A luncheon will follow the service in the church basement. Karen loved a good fellowship gathering with lots of talking, laughing, and coffee. All are welcome!