Gerald Harry Mattson

Jerry was born on March 11, 1928 in Newberry, MI, son of Harry and Esther Mattson. Jerry attended Newberry High School, Lake Superior State University, and Michigan Technological University where he earned a degree in chemistry. Jerry was employed by Dow Chemical Company in Midland, Michigan for 30 years. Jerry and his beloved wife, Valma Pesola Mattson, celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary on July 24.

Jerry was a “Yooper” through and through, moving back to his beloved Newberry after his retirement. Jerry and Val enjoyed many hours of cross country skiing, hiking, and enjoying the beauty of the UP. They were frequent travelers to Arizona to visit their daughter, Ann, and to Virginia to visit their son, Jim, and grandchildren Kelli and Greg. After returning to Newberry, Jerry enjoyed coaching boys and girls youth basketball, fishing with his grandchildren, and woodworking.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Valma; son, Jim (Sally), daughter, Ann (Tobey); grandchildren, Kelli (Steve) Lauziere and Greg Mattson; great- grandsons, Alex Lauziere and Ben Lauziere; brother, James “Lefty” (Lavina) Mattson.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Mattson, and sister-in-law, Elaine Mattson.

A private family service is planned.

The family gives heart-felt thanks to StoryPoint Saline Senior Living for their excellent, loving care of Jerry for the past five years, and to CorsoCare Hospice for their care over the past two months.