Dennis Wayne Mattson age 78 passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2022 at home under the care of Hospice of the Panhandle after a bout with Covid-19 worsened his pre-existing health issues.
Dennis was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 28, 1943 to Wilbert Waino and Helen Elma Mattson (Mikkola). He grew up in Garden City, MI and graduated from Garden City High School in 1961 where he played football and ran track.
Dennis was the oldest son of 10 kids. After he graduated Garden City HS he served honorably in the U.S. Air Force as a firefighter in San Antonio, Texas where the highlight of his service was meeting JFK the day prior to his death. After completing 4 years of service, he began working for General Motors in 1965 in Detroit and retired in 2005 after 40 years of service at the age of 62 in Martinsburg, WV spending 14 years in between MI & WV in Hilliard, OH. Dennis was an extremely hard worker and would help anyone who needed a hand. After his retirement he worked tirelessly around his yard and lovingly helped with his oldest grandchildren in PA until a major heart attack and his amputation sidelined him. His loved ones always referred to him as the old stubborn Finn (100% Finnish) and he lived up to that way too often. He had a way with the little ones, never seen a baby that wouldn’t curl up in his arms.
Dennis hated conflict and dealing with business issues. His favorite saying was “it’s not my department” and always told utility companies, insurance companies and the like to deal with his wife who he lovingly referred to as his “secretary”. He enjoyed listening to his CD collection and word search puzzles.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 45 years Monica Susan (Laraway), daughter Rhonda, son Robert and wife Rachel, daughter Robbyn and husband Jason Evans. His very spoiled grandchildren Natalee Mattson and life partner Kyle Starliper, Nathanial Mattson, Madison Martin, Harper Mattson and Olivia Evans. Sisters Carole (Lynn) Beerbower of OH, Ella (Jim) Landini of MI, Linda (Mike) Gosdzinski of MI, and Kaye Mattson of NC. One brother Dale (Linda) Mattson of MI. SIL’s Ann Mattson of MI and Judy Mattson of AZ. He is also survived by his favorite MIL Joanne Laraway of MI, BIL Guy (Tammy) Laraway, Jr. of MI, SIL’s Terri Grzecki (significant other Jack Sheko) of MI, Yvonne (David) Long of NC, and Beth (Donald) Miner of MI. Dozens of nieces and nephews including great and great-great.
Besides his parents and grandparents, he is preceded in death by his oldest sister Laurel Johnson, younger brothers Glen, Clyde, and Chris Mattson, oldest nephew Michael Mattson, Sr., and his great niece Holly Mattson. And his father-in-law Guy L. Laraway, Sr.
The family would like to thank all the wonderful people from Hospice for the excellent care they provided (especially Cassie and Nina) and to his two sisters-in-law, Terri Grzecki and Yvonne Long for traveling hours to WV and sacrificing a week or more away from their jobs and families to help with his needs on more than one occasion. His wife wants to recognize and thank their three children for their physical and moral support and giving her a much-needed break here and there and to their spouses who lost family time in the process. Thank you all so very much. And to also thank Nathanial Mattson, his only grandson, for his service in the US Navy who was only able to see him for a brief time during his illness due to his commitment.
A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date. Donations can be made in his name to Hospice of the Panhandle, American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, or any military organization (always donated to Toys for Tots).
Arrangements by Brown Funeral Home.