Helen Mattson

Helen Johanna Mattson, 91, of Felch, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 9, 2011. She was born April 27, 1919, in Felch, daughter of the late Jonas and Emma (Dixon) Sundholm. Helen was a lifelong resident of Felch and married Walfred "Bally" Mattson. Together, they raised their eleven children. Helen and Bally graduated together from North Dickinson High School along with their youngest son, Randy, in 1976. To celebrate their graduation, the couple took a trip to Washington State. Bally preceded her in death in 1977. Helen was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church and was very active in the LCW and the prayer chain. She was very devoted to her family and her faith. Helen was a wonderful homemaker and caregiver. You could always count on Helen to be there in times of need for anyone who needed help. Her family and friends were her life. She loved attending all of the sports events of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In 1987, Helen had nine grandsons on the North Dickinson High School football team. Helen traveled to Sweden and Finland to visit many cousins over there. She and her sisters had also taken a memorable trip to Vancouver, Canada. Helen was famous for her rye bread and many loaves had been consumed by her family and friends. Helen is survived by nine children, Karen (Dick) Lindholm of Felch, Ruth "Tana" (Ron) Nord of Felch, Robert (Kathy) Mattson of Felch, Emmy Lou (Doug) Harder of Felch, Curtis (Percie) Mattson of Kingsford, Donald (Tricia) Mattson of Felch, Anita (Red) Johnson of Felch, Deena (Gary) Lindeman of Breitung Township, and Randy Mattson of Felch; two daughter in-laws, Carol (Art) Mattson of N. Fort Meyers, Fla. and Diane (Richard) Mattson of Iron Mountain; two sisters, Pauline Murray of Helps and Beverly Ovist of Felch; two sisters-in-law, Ethel Mattson and Deeny Leonard, both of Kingsford; 36 grandchildren; 69 great-grandchildren; one great great-granddaughter; many cousins, friends and 26 exchange grandchildren from all over the world who called her "grandma." She was preceded in death by two sons, Butch and Ricky Mattson, four grandchildren, Rusty, Roxanne, Rory and Ross Nord, three great- grandchildren, Calvin Lindholm, Alayna Mattson, and Gabrielle Robinot-Bertrand, five siblings, LaVerne Balzarini, Arlington Sundholm, Esther Moroni Paquette, Sigfred Sundholm, Jane Monterosso, and Jennie Budek Nelson. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain, and from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on Monday at the Zion Lutheran Church in Metropolitan. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. at the church. Rev. David Anderson and Rev. Jay Dahlvang will officiate. A luncheon will follow the services at the Felch Community Center. Burial will be in the Felch Cemetery in the spring. The eldest grandson from each family will serve as pallbearers. Condolences to the family of Helen Mattson can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home with the funeral arrangements.

Helen Mattson

April 27, 1919 - March 9, 2011