Donald James Mattson

Donald was born on June 30, 1940, in Chassell, the son of Elmer and Pearl (Lauluma) Mattson.

Don graduated from Chassell High School in 1958, then went to Northern Michigan University on a basketball scholarship. He played for one year and then served in the U.S. Navy until honorably discharged in 1961.

Don married his high school sweetheart Connie Collette on June 23, 1962 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They were married for 62 years.

Don worked as a carpet installer and was the owner of Mattson’s Carpet Creations for over 30 years. He retired in 2002.

Don loved all sports and was a high school basketball All-American. He scored more than 1,700 points in his prep career. He helped Chassell win state “D” titles for three consecutive years (1956-58). Don was named to the 1958 all-state Dream Team and played in the prep All-American World Series. In 1989 Don was inducted into the U.P Sports Hall of Fame.

In 2020 Chassell commemorated his achievements by naming a local street, Don Mattson Way.

Over the years, Don was a member of the Wawonowin Country Club, the Elks Club, and the Beagle Club. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, and playing city league basketball and baseball. He coached Little League for 15 years. He also loved being outdoors: enjoying hunting, fishing, gardening, and reclining in his “Man Cave.”

A proud Finlander, Don will be remembered for his quick wit, colorful stories, easy-going personality, and SISU. Most of all, Don loved being a father and grandfather. Watching his kids and grandkids in athletic events, dance recitals, and theatre productions brought him great joy. In his retirement, he enjoyed coffee-time with the guys at McDonald’s telling Connie he was “going to therapy” as he left the house.

Remaining to cherish Don’s memory are his wife: Connie Mattson; children: Troy (Lisa) Mattson, Tina (Dave) Jordan, Toby (Renee) Mattson; grandchildren: Kristina (Cody) Martin, Victoria (Casey) Mattson-Torreano, Rachel (Zach) Haas-Coughlin, Caroline Jordan, Kelsey Jordan, Alex Mattson, Brianna Mattson, Christian Mattson; great-grandchildren: Adelyn Martin, Nicolai Torreano; brother: Elmer Jr. “Duner” Mattson; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Don in death are his parents: Pearl Lampinen and Elmer Mattson; sister: Shirley Dorn; and brother: Gerald Mattson.

A private funeral service will be held for Don’s family. Memorial donations in Don’s memory may be directed to your charity of choice.

Don’s family would like to thank Jeremy Steele for his many years of medical care and the MCMCF for their compassionate care during his final months.

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