Lillian Mattson

Lillian Emma Mattson, 92, of Felch, passed away Saturday, June 9, 2012 at the Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain. She was born on August 12, 1919, daughter of the late Anton and Isabelle (Leeman) Dixon. Lillian was raised in Felch and resided there for most of her life. On July 8, 1950 Lillian married John W. "Bill" Mattson in Iron Mountain. He preceded her in death on April 4, 1971. Lillian worked in Detroit, MI, welding shuts for Navy ships during World War II. In her younger years, she was skilled at skinning pelts off trap lines, which was a way of life then. She was the head cook and baker for many years at Dullie's Den and Kay's Kitchen. She also drove the truck that picked up and delivered the dynamite for the Metronite Quarry where her husband was superintendent. For 25 years Lillian held the position of Director for the Dickinson-Iron Community Action Agency where she oversaw all senior citizen programs. It was Lillian who would assist all area senior citizens in obtaining heat assistance, meals and rides to their appointments, as well as finding help for other members of the community who were in need. Lillian was a fabulous cook and baker, famous for her apple and lemon meringue pies. She thoroughly enjoyed trips to the casino for bingo. She was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Metropolitan for many years. Lillian was very proud of her Swedish heritage. She was an intelligent woman and stressed the importance of literacy to her family. Lillian was a strong woman and she always maintained a positive attitude, reminding her family that in life, "that's the way it goes". Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the love of her life. She was loved by everyone and will be missed by all who knew her. Lillian is survived by her sons, Alcid (Anita) Mattson of Foster City and John (Kathy) Mattson of Felch; her daughter Lynn Olson of Detroit; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, Nicole (Bruce) Rehn of Norway and their children Jacob and Jason; Kristin (Martin) Lueskow of Iron Mountain and their children Kaylind and Ethan; Katie (Tom) Malcolm of Detroit and their children, Austin, Aydin, and Abby; Matthew Mattson of Felch and Jenna (Rob) Petrick of Iron Mountain; her brother, Dan Dixon of Felch; her special niece, MaryAnne Steele of Felch and special friends, Edith Blomquist, Evelyn Phyliere and Albertene Mattson, all of Felch and Emily Oman of Perronville. Lillian is further survived by her neices Gloria Luedtke and Shirley Rodman as well as other neices and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Bill, Lillian was preceded in death by her brothers, Orville and Claren Dixon, her grandson Jerry Mattson, and a nephew whom she and Bill raised, Leroy Mattson. Visitation will be Friday, June 15, 2012 from 3:00-4:00pm at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. A memorial service will follow at 4pm. Rev. Joel Smeby will officiate. Lillian will be laid to rest next to her loving husband, "Bill", in the Felch Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Lillian Mattson online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com . The family wishes to acknowledge and extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caring nursing staff on the I.C.U. and Surgical floors at the Dickinson County Memorial Hospital. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Lillian Mattson

August 12, 1919 - June 9, 2012