Alonzo Christopher Mason, Ii

USAF Lt. Colonel, (Ret.) Alonzo Christopher Jackson Mason II passed away unexpectedly on December 7th, 2017 at his residence in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Alonzo was born in Monroe, Michigan on January 14, 1946 to John Thomson Mason III and Alvera Mary (Ladowsinsky) Mason. A devoted husband and father, he is survived by his wife of nearly 46 years, Roberta (Jarvis) Mason and his children Catherine (Frank) and Conrad, his sister, Gail Kahn Gerusa of Rancho Viejo, TX. He is also survived by a granddaughter, Rebecca, a niece and several nephews. Alonzo was the descendant of the prominent Mason family of Virginia known for their accomplishments in politics, business and military service, and he was no exception. He distinguished himself as a career Air Force Officer, where he served as a Squadron Commander. After retiring from military service, he owned a publishing company and finally decided to dedicate his life to working in child welfare. He worked for many years at several organizations and retired as the CEO of McKinley Children's Center in San Dimas, California. Alonzo's motto was "one man can make a difference by taking the first step to make the world a better place." Alonzo was a graduate of Grosse Ile High School, 1963, Michigan State University, BS, 1967 and the University of Philippines, MS. Alonzo was a man of great faith with a lively sense of humor and compassion toward all people. He will be deeply missed. Services will be held on December 20th, 2017 at Faith Evangelical Free Church in Grand Forks, ND and he will be laid to rest in the Mason Family plot in the Elmwood Historic Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan. In lieu of flowers the family would prefer memorials are made to: Greta (Magnuson) Shawstad Memorial Endowed Scholarship in memory of Alonzo Mason II Gifts for this scholarship can be mailed to: Minnesota State University Moorhead Alumni Foundation, 1104 7th Ave. S., Moorhead, MN 56563. Questions can be directed to Jenni Walthall, MSUM Alumni Foundation, 218-477-2944.