Dean H. Mattson

WOODRUFF, Wis. - Dean H. Mattson, age 84, of Ironwood, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2017 at Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff. He was born Nov. 28, 1932, in Iron Belt, Wis., the son of the late Edwin and Florence (Olson) Mattson.

Dean attended schools in Iron Belt, graduating with the Class of 1951. He was a corporal in the U.S. Army serving during the Korean Conflict. On Oct. 12, 1957, Dean was united in marriage to Darlene "Dolly" Holappa. She preceded him in death on Aug. 29, 2008. Dean worked in Milwaukee for A.O. Smith Company until his return to Ironwood. He then worked at the Bessemer Mine, in sales and in logging.

Dean was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and going to camp, and his special visits to the family homestead in Iron Belt. He enjoyed singing and playing his guitar. His greatest joy was his grandchildren, whom he took great pride in and made sure he was a part of their extracurricular activities. Dean was an avid Packers fan. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and a choir member for many years. In spite of all the health issues Dean went through over the last ten years, he never lost his zeal for life. This was an attribute his family admired most. Through it all, his only request was for his most treasured cup of coffee.

He is survived by his son, Michael (Becky) Mattson of Appleton; his daughter, Lori Whitburn of Bessemer; his granddaughters, Nicole (Joe) Maccani of Hurley, Ashley (Trevor) Jackovich of Bessemer, and Jennifer Whitburn of Milwaukee; three sisters, Joyce (William) Bruns, Flora (Philip) Sprecher, both of Madison, and Beverly (John) Baerwold-Pickle of Lodi, Wis .; his brother, John (Gerri) Mattson of Ironwood; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Paula Mirza on Aug. 26, 2000; and his step-father, Matt Herrala.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 3, at Frick-Zielinski Funeral Home in Bessemer. Pastor Lisa Ubbelohde will officiate. Full Military Rites will be accorded by American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard of Ironwood. Dean's family will receive relatives and friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Friday.

Range Funeral Service & Crematory, Frick-Zielinski Funeral Home of Bessemer is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences, visit rangefuneralservices.com.