Clifford J. ‘Cliff’ Mattson

ISHPEMING, MI-Clifford J. ‘Cliff’ Mattson, age 84, a longtime resident of Ishpeming, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility, where he had been a resident since April 2025.

He was surrounded by the love and care of his family, U.P. Home Health & Hospice, and the dedicated staff at MCMCF.

Cliff was born in Republic, Michigan on April 11, 1941, to the late Fred and Laura (Lyyski) Mattson. A proud graduate of Republic High School, Class of 1959, Cliff went on to serve his country in the Michigan National Guard from 1963 to 1969, including active duty during the Detroit Riots. Cliff married his beloved wife Karen on September 8, 1973. A man of quiet faith, he was a devoted member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming.

Cliff had a strong work ethic throughout his life. He began working at a very young age with his father and brothers in the woods, doing his part to keep food on the family table. He worked for Kimberly Clark in the early 1960’s driving logging trucks, and he was then hired by Cleveland Cliffs in December 1965. He initially worked at the Republic Mine until its closure in 1981, and then transferred to the Tilden Mine where he was a shop mechanic, retiring after 34 years on January 1, 2000.

Outside of work, Cliff was an accomplished bowler, participating in local leagues for over 50 years, and scored one perfect 300 game on March 1, 2006. He loved bowling in tournaments and won several throughout his bowling career. Cliff also participated in local horseshoe leagues for over 50 years. He taught his sons how to do many things, and spent countless hours bowling, fishing, and hunting with them over the years. Cliff was an avid Tigers fan, attending numerous games in Detroit and Boston. He also enjoyed making weekly trips to Huron Mountain Bakery in Ishpeming and Red Lobster in Marquette.

Cliff is survived by his wife of 52 years, Karen (Ahola) Mattson; his two sons, Timothy (Jessica) Mattson of Ellington, CT, and Aaron Mattson of Lansing; and two cherished grandchildren, Clara Mattson (fiance Matthew Togher) and Eve Mattson. He is also survived by his sisters, Aurelia Matheny of Marietta, OH, and Luana Wixtrom of Republic; sisters-in-law Carol Holmgren of Ishpeming and Marilyn Mattson of Portage, MI; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Bernie, Lennard, and Wilfred (Anne) Mattson; sister Bernice Enderle; and brother-in-law Bill Wixtrom.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. Visitation will take place from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., followed by

Cliff’s funeral service at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Jason M. Mills. Interment will follow at the Ishpeming Cemetery, with refreshments and dessert served afterward in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church in memory of Clifford Mattson. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the many care providers at MCMCF for their service and the excellent care that Cliff was given during his time there.

A livestream of the service will be available at the following link, www.facebook.com/715Mather/.

Cliff’s obituary may be viewed online at https://www.bjorkandzhulkie.com, where condolences may also be shared with the family.