Denyce "Dee" Mattson

June 28, 1926 - January 27, 2020

Denyce "Dee" Pauline Blomquist Mattson, 93, of Iron Mountain/Munising, passed away on January 27, 2020, at MediLodge of Munising. She was born on June 28, 1926, in Felch, MI, the eldest of 5 children to the late Edwin and Pauline (Daniel) Blomquist. She graduated from Felch High School and was proud of interpreting and writing letters for the Gold Star Families in Felch during WWII. Upon graduating from high school, she moved to Washington DC and worked for the FBI for one year. Dee then entered the US Army Cadet Nursing Corp Training at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, IL. Dee and Elroy "Red" Mattson were married on September 13, 1947, at Zion Lutheran Church in Metropolitan. She worked as a nurse/receptionist for Dr. Schmutzler for over 20 years, until her husband was elected sheriff. They later moved to Felch, where they owned and operated the Felch Arco Gas Station, and returned to Iron Mountain until Red's death in 2012, and later resided at Hulst Manor. She then shared time between AZ at her daughter Elyce's and her son Esley's in Munising, where she finally made Munising her home. Dee was a member of both Zion Lutheran Church in Metropolitan and First Lutheran Church of Iron Mountain during her lifetime. She is survived by three children: Elyce Yunowich (Lou Krenz) of Mesa, AZ; Esley (Sharon) Mattson of Munising; and Dennis (Gerry Lynn) Mattson of Iron Mountain. Siblings include Daniel (Shirley) Blomquist, David (Mary Lou) Blomquist, and Diane Adams, all from Marquette, and sister-in-law Sally Mattson of Appleton, WI. Dee was the proud grandmother of Heather (Mike) Johnson, Esley E. Mattson, Jeanne (Paul) Jerks, Michael (Shawn) McDonald, and Melissa (Joe) Mattson and her great-grandchildren: Mackenzie and Malcolm Jerks; Brandon (Jordan) Johnson; Carissa (Tyler) Pomeroy; Colin, Morgan and Chance McDonald; and Cody Green. Loving all people, especially the little ones, she was thrilled to be a great-great gramma to Allison and Emma Pomeroy, Lacey and Brilliana Johnson and a great-great grandson to be born in April. She also considered Bob Gingrass and her nephew Brian Bongi as her sons. She also leaves several nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly. Denyce was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Elroy "Red" Mattson; two infant sons, Paul and Earl; son-in-law, James Yunowich; grandson, James Elroy Yunowich; sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Jack Cootware; brothers and sisters-in-law, Lois and Frank DiBiase, Phyllis and David "Tusk" Bongi, Esley Mattson, Donald Mattson, David and Alberta Mattson, and Roger Adams. Denyce was an incredibly witty, warm, and wonderful person. One of her many accomplished missions was to comfort and love, with letters and self. She definitely knew how to love. The family would like to thank Dr. Loewen and staff of Niagara, WI and all of the staff of MediLodge of Munising for the wonderful and compassionate care they gave Dee over the past 2 1/2 years. Private family services were held. Memorial contributions can be made to Zion Lutheran Church or charity of one's choice. Denyce's obituary and online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www.enashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.