Jan Michael Mason

Jan Michael Mason, 85, passed away peacefully on October 3rd, 2023 at Lakeland Health Care Center, Elkhorn, Wisconsin. He was born February 12th, 1938 at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin to Lowell and Wilma (O'Brien) Mason. He grew up in Lake Geneva and attended Lake Geneva High School, graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee and then from the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music with a Bachelor of Music. 

He taught piano at the Art Walker Studio in Milwaukee before creating his home studio in Bradenton, Florida. He was very active in the Manatee County Music Teachers Association and the Florida State Music Teachers Association, holding various offices and participating for years in the running of the district and state music competitions. Even as his Parkinson's developed, he didn't let it stop his active participation. 

Jan loved exploring. He traveled all over the US, particularly to visit family in Wisconsin, California, and New Mexico, and enjoyed adventures in Canada and Europe. As an avid collector of knick-knacks, he was sure to come home with a rock (or several) from his adventures. When he wasn't on the road, he loved hosting his family every spring in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. 

In 2014, Jan moved back to Wisconsin to be near family as his Parkinson's progressed. He first lived at Arbor Village Assisted Living where he had excellent care and company. During his years at Lakeland Health Care Center, he was the consummate teacher, sharing his love of music and teaching. He spent many hours practicing his keyboard and listening to his hundreds of classical CDs. He made a wonderful connection with musician Elaine Sellenheim, who would visit to play duets and host recitals with him. 

Surviving Jan are his sister, Rona Bence and brother Brian (Chris) Mason, cousins Griff (Amy) Mason and Todd (Meg) Mason, nieces Deanna (Mike) Coyne, Barb (Phil) McMahon, Trish (Tom) Bence-Robers, Susan Bence, Danee Neiman, and Angie (Kenny) Johnson, nephews Mike Mason, Tom (Julie) Bence, Dave (Apple) Mason, and Mark (Dionne) Mason, and numerous great nieces and nephews, and great great nephews and nieces, his dear childhood friend Janet Bienemann Stutzman, and many of his fellow Music Teachers in Florida. 

Jan was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Shirley Williams Thorne and Patricia Mason, brother Rex Mason, brother-in-law Stan Bence, friends Pat Whalen and Fr. Jim Honnen. 

Special thanks to the Staff of Lakeland Health Care Center for their years of loving care for Jan. God bless you. Thanks also to the St. Croix Hospice members who cared for Jan in his final months, especially the music therapist who had a special bond with Jan. 

Jan's visitation will be on Saturday, October 28th, at Derrick Funeral Home from 10 to 11 AM with a Memorial Service at 11 AM. Burial will be private. 

Memorials may be made in Jan's name to Lakeland Health Care Center Attn: Resident Benefit. 

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