Ishpeming - Gery A. "Mountain" Mattila (Yeremyah Hawkins), age 81, longtime Ishpeming resident, passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Eastwood Nursing Center in Negaunee.

Gery was born in Ishpeming, on June 10, 1942, a son of the late Effie (Tuuri) and Hugo J. Mattila. He grew up in Ishpeming, and was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, Class of 1961.  While in high school, Gery was an avid athlete, participating in football, basketball, and was a star track and field athlete, where he held the shotput record for several years. Gery had attended Northern Michigan University and worked at Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee for a few years.  Gery returned soon to Ishpeming and became a Union Mason with the Bricklayers & Allied Craftsmen Union for whom he worked for many years. Gery appreciated good music and enjoyed singing and playing the guitar. He was truly a "Mountain" in real life who was a force to be reckoned with and commanding of a room.

Survivors include a daughter, Alice M. Mattila (Beau Chaput) of Gwinn, sister Marcia (Frank) Gronvall of Ishpeming, 3 grandchildren - Brook, Luke and Blakely along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother John Mattila.

Per Gery's wishes cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held in the Spring at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

Gery's family wishes to thank the Doctors and Nurses of UP Health System Marquette, Staff at Eastwood Nursing Center and the U.P. Home Health and Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.

Gery's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.