Mason Massad

Funeral services for Mason Massad, 92, of Bismarck, formerly of Dickinson, ND will be 11 a. m. , Monday, November 10, 2008, 2008 at St. John?s Episcopal Church with Pastors Cherian and Marie Mathew and Rev. Dr. Bruce MacDuffie officiating. Entombment will follow at the Dickinson Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 10:30 a. m. to 9 p. m. on Sunday, November 9, 2008 at Stevenson Funeral Home with a prayer service at 4:00 p. m. Mason passed away Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center in Bismarck, ND surrounded by his family. Mason Massad was born August 27, 1916, the son of George and Anna (Saif) Massad in Dickinson, ND. He attended school in Dickinson. After graduating from the Dickinson High School class of 1935, as class president, he started driving truck for the Dickinson Hide and Fur Company, which was started by his father. He worked as a fur buyer in a five-state area until 1941 when he entered the Army. After three years of active duty in New Guinea, the Philippines and Japan, he was discharged at Fort Lewis, Washington in January 1946. He returned to work at his father?s Hide and Fur Company until the market failed. He then bought a local cab company and opened a used car lot in Dickinson, which he operated for two years. In 1951, Mason built the Nodak Motel, starting with eight units. A year later, he met his best friend and partner, Ruth Koffler, and they were married. Together, they expanded the motel to 27 rentals and provided a beautiful home for their family. Throughout the coming years, they purchased many properties in Dickinson, including the Uptown Motel. The reputation of being wonderful landlords and having well-kept properties were known to many. Many of their salesmen and tenants became lifelong friends. In 1972, Mason and Ruth semi-retired, but continued to have apartment rentals. Mason continued his interest in real estate, making his last Dickinson property transaction just five days before his death. Mason and Ruth retired in 2001 and moved to Bismarck in the fall of 2007 to be close to family. Mason passed away on November 5, 2008 following a brief illness. His first and most important priority throughout his life has been his family, who have never doubted the love and pride he felt for them. He is survived by three daughters, Diane Cornell, Bismarck, ND; Susan (James) Goodale, Bismarck, ND; Patty (Dave) Chittim, Casper, WY; Four grandchildren, Nicole (Art) Thompson, Bismarck, ND; Erin (Steven) Price, Bismarck, ND; Blake Chittim and Rachel Chittim, both of Casper, WY; one great-granddaughter, Alexis Nicole Thompson, Bismarck, ND; and a great-grandson expected in February. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; his parents; brothers, James, Lester and Gemal Massad; sisters, Martha Saif and Cecilia Detwiler. The family prefers memorials be given to MedCenter One School of Nursing (Bismarck) and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church – Stephen Ministries Program (Bismarck. )


Click to View Program (PDF)


Burial Date: November 10, 2008
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Funeral Service: Monday, St. John’s Episcopal Church Dickinson, ND