CAROLYN MATTSON

Carolyn Diane (Schultz) Mattson, of Aitkin, formerly of Mora, passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at her home.  She was 73 years old.

Carolyn was born on June 7, 1951, at the Kanabec Hospital in Mora, Minnesota to parents William and Elaine (Hogstad) Schultz.  She attended Mora High School, graduating in 1969.  She attended Northwest Institute where she received her education as a Lab Technician.  She began working at the Kanabec Hospital in the Lab right out of school and retired in 2008 after 37 years.

On November 6, 1971, Carolyn was united in marriage to John W. Mattson at the Zion Lutheran Church in Mora.  They made their home in the Mora area where they raised their three children.  Carolyn’s love of travel prompted many family vacations, including a special Disney Cruise for the entire family.  She spent seven weeks traveling around Europe on her own, loaded down with unique gifts from every stop for her family and friends back home. 

Carolyn loved fishing and always seemed to catch the biggest fish.  She tended to her many flowers, especially her Geraniums and Hibiscus.  She was a prankster and loved playing tricks on her husband and grandkids.  Her sense of humor made her a joy to be around.  Carolyn and John enjoyed 15 years of winters in Mesa, Arizona, socializing, drinking wine, and playing cards with friends and family.  In 2019, They moved to their home on Elm Island Lake near Aitkin to enjoy the quiet lake life and being able to fish at any time.

Ever faithful, Carolyn was a member of Zion Lutheran in Mora, Immanuel Lutheran in Brunswick, and Calvary Lutheran in Mora over the years.  Carolyn was a strong supporter and an advocate for anyone in need, especially those with mental, physical, or social disabilities.  Carolyn had the kindest heart, and it was crucial to her that everyone be together, love, and support each other.  Carolyn lived her life to the fullest filled with Faith, Family, and Friends.  She will be dearly missed.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, brother Mark Schultz, and brother-in-law Gerald Mattson.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, John; children, Angela (Jason) Mann, Jeffrey (Stacie) Mattson, and Amy Mattson (John Korienek); grandchildren, Katelyn (John) Kromm, Emilie (Jon) Dunbar, Brandon (Alexandra) Mann, Carson Mattson, Adelyn Mattson, Aydan Mattson, and Ashley Mattson; great grandchildren, Edison, Theo, Jillian, Josie, Warren, and Hank; brothers, Robert Schultz, James Schultz, and Jerome (Connie) Schultz; brothers and sisters-in-law, Susan (Bob) Chandler, Peter (Terri) Mattson, Michael (Penny) Mattson, Patrick (JeanAnn) Mattson, Timothy (Becky) Mattson, Julie (Chad) Giffrow; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Mora with Pastor Steve Sylvester officiating.

Memorial Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

A luncheon will follow at the church.

A Celebration of Carolyn's Life will continue at Kev's Depot in Mora from 1:00-4:00 pm on Thursday.

Memorial are preferred to Mercy Ships (see donation link below).

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