Stephen J. Mattson
Suomi Location
Stephen John ‘Pooh Bear’ Mattson, 64, of Co. Rd. MK, Suomi Location, passed away Wednesday evening, September 2, 2015 in the loving care of his family at UP Health System Marquette following a courageous battle with cancer.
Steve was born June 29, 1951 in Marquette to J. Wesley ‘Weasel’ and Shirley (Rintala) Mattson, was raised in Palmer and attended Negaunee High School. He married Janice Nelson on August 12, 1978 and moved to Suomi location. Steve was employed as a heavy equipment operator for Cleveland Cliffs, starting out at the Ore Improvement Plant and retiring in 2011 from the Tilden Mine with 42 years of service with the company.
Mr. Mattson was a member of Community Lutheran Church, Palmer, Teal Lake Masonic Lodge, Negaunee, Marquette Ahmed Shrine, the Marquette Superior Harley Owners group and the United Steelworker’s Retirees. In his spare time he enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling on his Harley with Janice and his biking friends, camping, hunting and fishing, four wheeling and was an avid Detroit Red Wing and Green Bay Packers fan.
Steve leaves behind his loving wife of 37 years, Janice (Nelson) Mattson; the joy of his life, daughter, Stephanie Anne (Robert) Ehrhardt of Ishpeming; mother, Shirley Mattson of Suomi Location; sister, Carolyn Anderson and his brother-in-law, Gordy Anderson, who was like a brother to him; father- and mother-in-law; John (Genevieve) Nelson; sisters-in-law, Nancy Vahamaa and Debbie (Randy) VanSlambrouck; brother-in-law, John Paul Nelson; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; special biking buddies: Jim and Kerry Bonovich, Terry and Kathy LaMere and Scott and Mary Rule; and special friends, Tim and Rita Laiho. He was preceded in death by his father, John Wesley ‘Weasel’ Mattson; his paternal and maternal grandparents; and brother-in-law Paul ‘Gus’ Vahamaa.
Steve was a strong man. His goal was to be able to be at his daughter’s wedding to Robert Ehrhardt and take part in the father/daughter dance. He accomplished his goal on August 22, 2015.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, September 5th at Community Lutheran Church, Palmer with Rev. Marcia Solberg officiating. Burial will be in Negaunee Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 am until the time of services at noon at the church on Saturday, and also at a luncheon at the Richmond Township Fire Hall immediately following services. Masonic rites will be conducted at the church at 11:45 am.
Mr. Mattson’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com, where memories and condolences may be shared.

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