Elroy Mattson

Elroy "Red" Mattson, 84, of Iron Mountain, passed away on Sunday, March 18, 2012 at Dickinson County Healthcare System. Red was born April 11, 1927 in Metropolitan, MI, son of the late Emil and Ida (Wickman) Mattson. Before completing high school, he entered the U.S. Navy and served his country during WWII. Upon his return from the war, Red continued his schooling and graduated from Felch High School in 1947. He then completed two years of college at an Agricultural Institute for farming. Red married Denyce Blomquist on September 13, 1947 at Zion Lutheran Church in Metropolitan. He started out working in the woods and at the stone quarry in Felch. He was then employed by Grede Foundry for ten years as a molder. Red began his career in law enforcement as an officer with the Iron Mountain Police Dept., serving 18 years and receiving a Medal of Valor. During this time, he and his wife, Dee, owned and operated Mattson's Service Station in Felch for several years. Red served the last 12 years of his career as the Dickinson County Sheriff, retiring in 1988. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Metropolitan where he was baptized and confirmed. Red was also a member of First Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain where he was active in the Horseshoe and Softball Leagues. He enjoyed all sports and was an avid Detroit Tigers fan. He also enjoyed playing cards, trips to the casino, fishing and hunting. Red is survived by his wife, Denyce; three children, Elyce Yunowich of Beecher, WI, Esley (Sharon) Mattson of Munising, MI, and Dennis (Gerry Lynn) Mattson of Iron Mountain; a brother, David Mattson of Iron Mountain; six grandchildren, Heather (Mike) Johnson, Esley Mattson, Jeanne (Paul) Jerks, James Yunowich, Melissa (Dave) Green and Mike (Shawn) McDonald; 11 great-grandchildren, Brandon & Carissa Johnson, Mackenzie & Malcolm Jerks, Cody, Tara, David, & Tony Green, and Collin, Morgan & Chance McDonald; brothers and sisters-in-law, Sally Mattson, Frank DiBiase, Donna (Jack) Cootware, Daniel (Shirley) Blomquist, David (Mary Lou) Blomquist and Diane (Roger) Adams; special friend, Dr. John Loewen; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two infant sons, Paul and Earl Mattson; two brothers, Esley and Donald Mattson; and two sisters, Lois DiBiase and Phyllis Bongi. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain and on Thursday from 10:00 to 11:00am at Zion Lutheran Church in Metropolitan. Funeral services will follow at 11:00am on Thursday at the church. Pastor Joel Smeby will officiate. Burial will be in the Felch Cemetery. The Felch-Breen VFW Post #4803 will conduct military graveside honors. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Elroy "Red" Mattson online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Elroy Mattson

March 18, 1928 - March 18, 2012