Obituary of David Allen Mattson

  David Allen Mattson November 27, 1948 – December 16, 2024

David Allen Mattson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on December 16, 2024, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota, at the age of 76.

David was born on November 27, 1948, to Burton Mattson and Lorraine Jeanetta in Duluth. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1971 to 1973, where he earned the rank of Boiler Technician Third Class. During his service, he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars, as well as the National Defense Medal. His commitment to his country remained an important part of his legacy.

On May 25, 1997, David married Rhobley Mattson, his loving wife of 27 years. Together, they built a family that was the center of David’s life. He was the proud father of four children: Julie (Kevin), Tasha (Kent), Kristina (TJ), and Heather (Jeremy). David was also a devoted grandfather to many cherished grandchildren and a supportive and caring figure in the lives of his nieces and nephews.

David worked at WLLSD for 31 years, where he served as the Facilities Director until his retirement in 2009. His dedication to his work and his colleagues earned him the respect of everyone he encountered. After retiring, David continued to remain active in his community, particularly through his long-standing membership in the Duluth Power Squadron. He served with distinction as Commander for two years and enjoyed his time on the water and with fellow boating enthusiasts.

Outside of his professional and community commitments, David had a passion for boating, motorcycles, camping, reading, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a man of great warmth, kindness, and generosity, known for his love of the outdoors.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Burton Mattson and Lorraine Jeanetta, his stepfather Joe Jeanetta, and his sister Jackie Jeanetta.

He is survived by his wife Rhobley, his children Julie (Kevin) Dotzenrod, Tasha (Kent) Gaidis, Kristina (TJ) Lillo, and Heather Olson (Jeremy), his siblings Corey (MaryEllen) Jeanetta, Charmaine Nyman, Joe (Joan) Jeanetta, Paul (Lisa) Jeanetta, Patrick (Daine) Jeanetta, Mary Jeanetta, and Tony (Beth) Jeanetta, and grandchildren, Andrew, Matthew, Luke, Lacy, Derek, Tyler, Bradley, Brooke, Jer Jr, Audrey, Ava, and Alexis, and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held for David on January 11, 2025, at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Avenue, Duluth, MN, at 3:00 PM. A burial will take place at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Saginaw, MN, in the Spring of 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Duluth Power Squadron, Veterans, Red Cross or a charity of choice in David’s memory.

David’s legacy of service, love, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.