Wilbert "Will" Mattson

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at the United in Christ Church in Eveleth with Pastor Jeanne Madsen officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be at the Gilbert Cemetery.  Military honors will be accorded by the Gilbert VFW.  Arrangements are by the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert.

Wilbert “Will” Alvin Mattson, 85, of Eveleth passed away peacefully with his family by his side on  Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth.  Will went to join his son, Jason, where they will be playing their jokes in Heaven.

Will was born on July 21, 1938 to Matt and Alma (Andeline) Mattson in Eveleth.  He grew up on a farm on Mattson Road and graduated from the Eveleth High School, Class of 1958.  Following high school, Will entered the US Army where he was also a Golden Glove Boxer.  He was united in marriage to Carole Dreshar in 1964.    Will volunteered as a coach for Youth Hockey and was involved in many organizations including: Knights of Kaleva, Eveleth Elks, Virginia, Gilbert and Mt. Iron Sr. Citizens.  He was a talented carpenter.

Will will be remembered for his true “SISU” attitude, his funny sense of humor and how he teased others.

Survivors include his wife, Carole; children: Allan (Christina), James (Bob), Wanda (Todd) McGillivray and Craig (Wendy); grandchildren: Anthony, Richard, Ashley (Matt), Mark, Alyssa (Anthony), Carley, and Claire; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Clarence (MaryAnn); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Jason; sisters: Delores and Dorothy; brothers: Harold, Herb, Ray, and Jim.