Theodore D. Mattson

Theodore D. “Ted” Mattson, 86, of Kingsford passed away Monday, January 2, 2023, at his home. Ted was born July 10, 1936 in Niagara, WI, son of the late Walter and Julia (Pepara) Mattson. He graduated from Felch High School in 1955 and that same year he was the first young man from the Upper Peninsula to be named Michigan’s Star Farmer at the 27th annual Future Farmers of America convention. Ted then proudly served his country for two years in the United States Army. He married Fanny Morris in April of 1968 in Jackson, MI. She preceded him in death in 2019. Ted’s job at Phillips Petroleum Co. took them to Cadillac and Flint, until moving to the Lansing area in 1973. In 2002, they moved to Kingsford. For years, Ted and Fanny spent the better part of the winter in Islamorada, Fl. There they hosted friends and family, boating and teaching their nieces and nephews how to ocean fish and play cards. Warmer temperatures allowed for more cards, canoeing the Au Sable river and family time at the family cottage in Grayling, MI. He could always be counted on for a great joke and delighted in sharing them. Ted was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Metropolitan and a lifetime member of the Future Farmers of America. He was an active volunteer for many years and an avid sports fan, faithfully cheering on the MSU Spartans. Ted enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, reading, traveling with Fanny and drinking beer. Throughout his life, he never forgot where he came from, proudly displaying a Felch, Michigan bumper sticker on every vehicle he drove. Ted is survived by three sisters-in-law, Kay Mattson, Renee Wicklund and Ruth Ann Wicklund, one brother-in-law, Frank Morris, Jr., as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, Ted was also preceded in death by his siblings, Carol (Jerry) Wickman, Laurence Mattson, John Mattson, and Donald & Ronald Wicklund. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 am on Thursday, January 12 at Zion Lutheran Church in Felch. Memorial services will follow at 11:00 am at the church. Rev. Lori Liverance will officiate. Burial will be in the Felch Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church in Felch. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Theodore “Ted” Mattson online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Theodore D. Mattson

July 10, 1936 - January 2, 2023