Arnold Alexander Mattson, 91, of New York Mills, passed away Oct. 11, 2008, at Perham Memorial Hospital and Home.
He was born April 17, 1917, at home in Deer Creek Township. His parents were the late Sander and Hulda (Bernu) Mattson. He attended country school at District 134 North in Leaf Lake Township and then continued farming on the family farm. He served with the 48th Engineers in the Army during World War II starting in Sept. 11, 1942. He received the decoration of the bronze service arrowhead, distinguished unit citation and the good conduct medal. He was honorably discharged on Oct. 20, 1945. On June 15, 1946, he married Helen Sofia Niska in Wadena. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Anthony and Tyrone. They made their home a half mile south of Heinola on the family farm. He continued farming and was employed at the Mills Elevator in New York Mills for 21 years. He loved spending time with his family, yearly vacations to Itasca State Park and attending sporting activities that his children and grandchildren participated in throughout the years. He enjoyed the outdoors and farming with his son, Tony, and grandson, Kyle. He enjoyed the Minnesota Twins. If he couldn't watch the Twins on television, he would listen to them on the radio.
Funeral services were held Oct. 15 at the Apostolic Lutheran Church in New York Mills, with the Rev. Don Salo officiating. The pallbearers were Russ Jacobson, Barry Miller, Wayne Mattson, Mike Mattson, Don Maunumaki and David Mann. The honorary pallbearers were his grandchildren: Holly, Andy, Jay, Jerry, Tyson, Taryn, Shane, Kyle and Traci. Military honors were provided by the Charles D. Center VFW Post 3289 of New York Mills. He was laid to rest in Woodland Cemetery, New York Mills. Arrangements were provided by the Karvonen & Son Funeral Home of New York Mills. Condolences may be sent on line at www.karvonenandsonfuneralhome.com .
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Helen Mattson of New York Mills; two sons: Anthony (Karen) Mattson of New York Mills; Tyrone (Darcy) Mattson of Fargo; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Alice (Bill) Miller of Coon Rapids; sister-in-law, Margaret Mattson of Fridley; many other relatives; and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Florence Kuvinen and Pearl Hervi; brothers, Harley Mattson, Ray (Ruth) Mattson and Harold (Agnes) Mattson.
