- Born on: October 7, 1957
- Departed on: November 24, 2024
- Resided in: Cedar Rapids, IA
William "Bill" Gower Mason
William “Bill” Gower Mason passed away in his home surrounded by his loved ones on the morning of November 24th, 2024. His Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 30th at CSPS (1103 3rd Street SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa) from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Bill’s inurnment will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial donations to the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy.
Bill was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Myrna and Harold Cooney, and uncle, Kieth Rathjen. Bill is survived by his three children, Katherine Mason, William J. (Stephanie) Mason, Sarah Mason; his five grandchildren, Stella and Ella Doss, Justin Mason and fiance Emily Kelly, and Lauren and Liam Mason; great-granddaughter, Briella Renee; aunt, Kathleen Rathjen, and cousins, Kira (Conrad) Gruber and Karl (Carolyn) Rathjen of Dallas, Texas; friend and ex-wife, Mary Wisehart; and chosen family, Scott Looney of California, Phil Malerich, Mark Moore, and many cherished friends.
Bill’s story began on October 7th, 1957, in Marengo, Iowa to Myrna and William A. Mason. He had a very active upbringing, from spending time with his grandparents in Williamsburg, Iowa to his involvement with the church, Boy Scouts, theater, and traveling to Norway in high school, Bill was always finding ways to learn new things and meet new people. Bill graduated from Jefferson High School in 1975 and married Mary Weishart in 1977, with whom he had three beautiful children. He attended Coe College beginning in 1987 and was involved in many clubs, building lifelong friendships for years to come.
Bill held several volunteer positions throughout his adult life that brought him pride and joy. He spent 10 years with Legion Arts CSPS working on lighting, sound, and set design; volunteered with and served on the board of the Science Station/Maker’s Space; and was involved with the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy where he spent time fostering his love for music in many of his grandchildren.
Bill had interests in photography, music, cinema, reading, technology, creativity, and nature, which he loved to share with his children, grandchildren, and friends. He was an eccentric, interesting, and wonderful person who found joy in sharing his knowledge on many topics with those he loved. As his mother said, “Everyone needs a ‘Bill’”. Bill never met a person he couldn’t have an enjoyable conversation with, and has had an immeasurable impact on many who loved and cherished him.
To quote the Eleventh Doctor, “We are all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?”
Bill was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Myrna and Harold Cooney, and uncle, Kieth Rathjen. Bill is survived by his three children, Katherine Mason, William J. (Stephanie) Mason, Sarah Mason; his five grandchildren, Stella and Ella Doss, Justin Mason and fiance Emily Kelly, and Lauren and Liam Mason; great-granddaughter, Briella Renee; aunt, Kathleen Rathjen, and cousins, Kira (Conrad) Gruber and Karl (Carolyn) Rathjen of Dallas, Texas; friend and ex-wife, Mary Wisehart; and chosen family, Scott Looney of California, Phil Malerich, Mark Moore, and many cherished friends.
Bill’s story began on October 7th, 1957, in Marengo, Iowa to Myrna and William A. Mason. He had a very active upbringing, from spending time with his grandparents in Williamsburg, Iowa to his involvement with the church, Boy Scouts, theater, and traveling to Norway in high school, Bill was always finding ways to learn new things and meet new people. Bill graduated from Jefferson High School in 1975 and married Mary Weishart in 1977, with whom he had three beautiful children. He attended Coe College beginning in 1987 and was involved in many clubs, building lifelong friendships for years to come.
Bill held several volunteer positions throughout his adult life that brought him pride and joy. He spent 10 years with Legion Arts CSPS working on lighting, sound, and set design; volunteered with and served on the board of the Science Station/Maker’s Space; and was involved with the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy where he spent time fostering his love for music in many of his grandchildren.
Bill had interests in photography, music, cinema, reading, technology, creativity, and nature, which he loved to share with his children, grandchildren, and friends. He was an eccentric, interesting, and wonderful person who found joy in sharing his knowledge on many topics with those he loved. As his mother said, “Everyone needs a ‘Bill’”. Bill never met a person he couldn’t have an enjoyable conversation with, and has had an immeasurable impact on many who loved and cherished him.
To quote the Eleventh Doctor, “We are all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?”
