Darwin "Punky" Mason

Obituary:

Darwin E. “Punky” Mason, 82, of Stanley, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 10 2026, at Mayo Clinic Hospital–Eau Claire with his family by his side. He was born on March 8, 1944, at the family home in the Town of Butler, Clark County, to the late Henry and Grace (Smally) Mason. He grew up on the family farm and attended area schools. Punky married Erika “Ricky” Kapfer, on July 30, 1966 and raised 4 children together. Punky farmed throughout his life and also worked for Northern Clearing and Dave Laird. In his retirement, he turned his attention to one of his favorite hobbies—collecting sap and making maple syrup with his children and grandchildren, creating memories that his family will cherish for years to come.

Punky loved the outdoors, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and spending time on his land. Fall meant deer hunting with his boys, while summer brought fishing trips and countless hours spent in his garden.

He thoroughly enjoyed his daily drives around the neighborhood to check on his fields, look for deer, stop to say hello to his neighbors, and, of course, make a trip to the local gas station to buy his lottery tickets. It was a routine that brought him great enjoyment, no matter the weather or season. Punky also enjoyed playing cards, especially solitaire, and spending time playing card games with his grandchildren. Whether he was teaching them a game, working alongside them in the garden, making maple syrup, or simply enjoying their company, his grandchildren held a special place in his heart.

He is survived by his wife, Ricky; four children, Mike (Kim Kmieciak) Mason, Roger (Chris Raycher) Mason, and Allen (Diane) Mason, all of Stanley, and Lisa (Mike Staniec) Mason of Thorp; 13 grandchildren, Chelsea, Mikey, Tommy, Brent, Bryan, Craig, Arianna, Jamie, Allyssa, Jacob, Alexis, Marybeth, and Elizabeth; 13 great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Charles (Iona) Mason of California and Sam Mason of Stanley. Punky was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Grace Mason, and his brother, Scott.

A funeral service will be held at Plombon Funeral Home on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

The family would like to thank the staff at Aspirus in Stanley and Mayo Clinic in Eau Claire for their compassionate care.