Arnie O. Mattson

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Arnie O. Mattson, 92, a lifelong resident of Wakefield, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 16, 2022.

Arnie was born on June 17, 1930, in Wakefield, a son of Hjalmer and Signe (Wiitanen) Mattson. He attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1948.

Arnie proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

On Aug. 11, 1951, he married the love of his life, Dorothy A. Makela, in Wakefield. They celebrated nearly 71 years of marriage.

Arnie was a dedicated member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Wakefield. Many years ago, he helped build two baseball fields in Wakefield. Arnie enjoyed managing, coaching and umpiring boys and girls Little League and coaching men's softball leagues. In his spare time, he had fun playing cards, shooting pool, fishing and gardening, especially growing pumpkins. For miles around, Arnie was well known for his pumpkin patch and his nickname was the "pumpkin man."

He was a retired mine safety inspector for the United States Government.

Arnie is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy; a son, Dale (Sara), Wakefield; a grandson, Adam (Amy), Poynette, Wisconsin; a granddaughter, Amy (Kevin), Lodi, Wisconsin; four cherished great-grandchildren; three sisters, Eleanor Harrison, Madison, Emily Johns, Channing, Michigan, and Palm Springs, California, and Sarah Beck, Milwaukee; his brother-in-law, Carl (Eileen) Makela, Wakefield; and many dear nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Toivo, Carlo and Robert; and a sister, Elsie Latva.

The family is honoring Arnie's life in a private funeral service at a later date.

His final resting place will be at the Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with their arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.