Mason T. Fuller

Mason "Jack" Thayer Fuller, 90, passed away on Friday March 25, 2016 at the Waters on Mayowood. Jack was born on October 25, 1925, in McIntire, IA to Velma and Frank Fuller. Jack's father worked for the Chicago Great Western Railroad, so Jack grew up around trains and the depot in McIntire. Jack and his parents moved to Rochester in the late 1930s, and in 1939, Jack started "redcapping" at the Rochester depot, helping passengers with their bags on the platform. Jack served as a machinist in the Navy in the Pacific theater from 1944-1946. After returning from the war, he began working for the Chicago Great Western Railroad as a brakeman. In October, 1948, Jack married Joyce Decker and the couple enjoyed 14 years together until Joyce's death in March, 1962. Jack married Esperence King in October, 1962. Jack and Esperence lived in Rochester and were blessed to have 48 years together before Esperence's death in 2010. Jack left the railroad in 1968, and he studied for and obtained his boiler operator license. He worked for many years in the power plant at the Rochester State Hospital until he retired in 1987. Jack was a longtime active member at the Rochester YMCA and faithfully attended Autumn Ridge Church for many years. Jack is survived by his children: Judith (Michael) Ellstrom, Althea (Peter) Falconero, Rita (Dave) Swenson, Marquerite (Jim) Wesley, Mildred Broadwell, Esperence (Doug) Laughlin, Patricia Prum, Frank (Cindy) Fuller, and Kara Jensvold; 22 grandchildren; and 29 great grandchildren. Jack was preceded in death by his great grand daughter, Allegra Bieth, and his son-in-law Steve Jensvold. The family would like to thank Dr. Luke Hafdahl, the staff at the Waters on Mayowood, and Seasons Hospice for the excellent care they provided during Jack's final weeks. At Jack's request, the family has planned a private graveside ceremony this summer.