Negaunee- Richard William Mattson, age 82 of 1009 Pine St., Negaunee passed away Thursday, February 26, 2015 at his home while in the loving care of his family and UP Home Health & Hospice.

Richard was born May 26, 1932 at home in Negaunee to Jalmer & Ellen (Koski) Mattson. He graduated from Negaunee High School and served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. Richard worked as a switchman technician for Michigan Bell, working 35 years, retiring in 1990 from Ameritech.

Richard was a member of the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church in Negaunee. He enjoyed spending time in the woods; hunting, fishing, being at camp at Helen Lake or deer camp in Black River location. He always enjoyed the annual Koski/Mattson family reunions. His greatest joy was his grandchildren and spending time with them.

Richard is survived by his wife Anna (Hill) Mattson, whom he married on October 11, 1986, 2 children: Jeremy (Brianna) Mattonen of Esko, MN, Beki (Mike) Kumpula of Negaunee, 5 grandchildren: Theo, Chas, Mick, & Harper Kumpula and Tommy Mattonen, 4 sisters: Mildred Ropponen of Grand Rapids, MN, Shirley (Ted) Kero of Negaunee, Julie (Donald) Johnson of Marquette, Margie Isaacs of Hibbing, MN, a brother Lawrence (Kay) Mattson of Negaunee, sisters in law Judy (Bill) Kerkela of Republic, Jean Oja of Woodstock, IL, brother in law Ray Pasbrig of Racine, WI, 2 special nieces Deanna Jylha, & LuAnn (Dan) Erickson, a special nephew Al (Marianne) Jylha & their children, along with numerous other nieces and nephews, and a host of brothers & sisters in faith. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Donald, and 3 brothers in law Jim Jylha, Uuno Ropponen, and Ernie Isaacs.

Funeral services for Richard will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday March 2nd at the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church, Co. Rd. 492 in Negaunee with Chas Prusi officiating.

Richard's family will greet relatives and friends from 2:00-5:00 PM on Sunday March 1st at the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church and from 10:00-11:00 AM on Monday at the church.

Interment will take place at Northland Chapel Gardens.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .