Shirley Marie Mattson

Shirley was born February 1, 1930 in Negaunee to John and Saima (Lahde) Rintala and graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1947. She married her high school sweetheart, J. Wesley ‘Weasel’ Mattson, on February 25, 1950 in Negaunee Township and together they raised their family in Palmer.

Shirley worked at DeFant and Bridges Law Firm in Negaunee prior to beginning her career with United Steelworkers of America from where she retired. She was a devout member of Community Lutheran Church (formerly Concordia Lutheran) in Palmer, and was a member of the Eastern Star and Daughters of the Nile.

Shirley was a hardworker; always maintaining her home and working outdoors in her yard. In her younger years, she and Weasel enjoyed traveling and loved dancing together. More than anything, family was the greatest joy of Shirley’s life.

Surviving are her daughter, Carolyn (Gordy) Anderson of Suomi Location; daughter-in-law, Janice Mattson; granddaughter, Stephanie (Robert) Ehrhardt; great-grandson, Brock Stephen Ehrhardt; niece, Jody (Dave) Arbelius; nephews: Rick (Leisa) and Dave (Jackie) Rintala; and several cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and step-father, Knud Jensen; her husband Weasel in 2011; her son, Stephen ‘Pooh Bear’ Mattson in 2015; brothers: Donald and Floyd Rintala; and nephews, Jonny Lee and Terry Rintala.

Honoring Shirley’s wishes, private family services will be held. Her family would like to thank Dr. Catherine Kroll and the staff at MCMCF for their loving care provided.

Her memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.