Gerald "Jerry" Ralph Mattson

Gerald “Jerry” R. Mattson of Rush City, MN, passed away Tuesday, July 19th, 2011 at the University of Minnesota Hospital-Fairview in Minneapolis, MN at the age of 85 years. He had a lifetime filled with many family, friends and up-north experiences. Jerry was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on March 14th, 1926 to Earl and Marjorie (Wilcox) Mattson. He grew up and attended Harding High School through the ninth grade. As many young men did in those days, Jerry chose to serve his country by joining the U. S. Army rather than finish high school. He served in combat as an infantry scout in the 254th Regiment, 63rd Blood & Fire Infantry Division on the Siegfried Line. He was blessed by the “grace of God” to return home to his family and marry his sweetheart Ramah Nord. Jerry had fallen in love with Ramah prior to leaving for combat.  Jerry and Ramah were soon married and shared 65 wonderful years of marriage together. Jerry resided in the Rush City and Braham areas most of his life. During this time they enjoyed their home by Rush Lake and it was important to Jerry that he raise his kids by the water so they could enjoy fishing and other outdoor activities. His community of friends around Rush Lake were treasured friendships that provided many lasting memories. At the same time, he was employed by Onan Generator Corporation in Fridley and also owned and operated the Braham Drive Inn Restaurant. In 1987, Jerry retired from Onan and the couple moved to their retirement home on Little Boy Lake in Longville, MN where they spent time enjoying lake life and making fond memories with family and friends. After moving back to the Rush City area, Jerry stayed busy by using his great people skills, which helped him function as a part-time caretaker for SMR at Rush Estates II and Countryside Apartments where he was residing at the time of his death. Jerry was a great steward in life as he was always looking out for and caring for others. Jerry was very patriotic and a life time member of the VFW, a member of the Rush City American Legion Post 93 and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rush City. Jerry Mattson is survived by his wife Ramah; children; Gerald Jr. & Lois Mattson of Stanchfield, John & Carolyn Mattson of Mora, Susan & Robert Chandler of Brooksville, Florida, Pete & Terri Mattson of Rush City, Michael & Penny Mattson of Anoka, Patrick & Jean Ann Mattson of Stanchfield, Tim Mattson of Braham, Julie and Chad Giffrow of Stanchfield, 13 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren; his sisters Judy (Jim) Prunty of Cambridge, Delores Swanson of Stillwater, brother David Mattson & (Rita Jelinek) of Forest Lake and many nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and two grandchildren; Tina Reid and Jeremy Mattson. Fr. Dennis Evenson will celebrate a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Jerry Mattson; 10:30 A.M. Saturday (7/23/11) at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rush City. A time of visitation will be held one hour prior at the church. Inurnment for Jerry Mattson will be in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Rush City. Military honors will be provided for Jerry by the Grothe-Jacobson VFW Post #6692 and the Rush City American Legion Post 93. Funeral arrangements for Mr. Jerry Mattson of Rush City are entrusted to:The Funeral & Cremation Service of Rush City *Olson Chapel* www.funeralandcremationservice.com