Arlene Mattson

Arlene E. Mattson, age 85, of Willmar, died Wednesday afternoon, September 12th, at the Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar after a short illness.
Many of her family members were around her as she journeyed to her new life, to her Mansion in Heaven that was waiting for her. The family had tears, prayers, music and laughter all through this journey.
Services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, September 15th, at the Assembly of God Church with Rev. Keith T. Kerstetter officiating. The interment will be in the Buffalo Lake Mission Covenant Cemetery in rural Murdock. Friends may call from 5-8 P.M. Friday at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar and one hour prior to the services at the church.
Arlene Esther Valentena Mattson was born on the family farm in Louriston Township, Chippewa County, Minnesota, the daughter of Frederick Emmanuel and Anna Marie (Moberg) Johnson. She grew up in the rural Murdock community, was baptized and confirmed at the Mission Covenant Church, received her education in the District 38 school and graduated from Murdock High School. On February 17, 1940, at her parents home, she was married to Leonard W. Mattson. They made their home in the Murdock area and farmed together until Leonard's retirement. Arlene also worked at several jobs in Willmar; Jennie-O, Tempo, and Lakeland Nursery. Arlene was very involved in her church. She was the pianist for the Sunday school, superintendent, teacher, in the ladies aid and did projects for missions. After her country church disbanded they became members of the Willmar Assembly of God Church. They moved to Willmar in 1993 and was active at the Assembly of God Church; in choir, Sunday School, play the marimba and sewing projects for missions. Arlene learned to play the marimba and she and Leonard would give church and school concerts. She enjoyed music very much and learned to play the trumpet, guitar, ukulele, piano and always wanted to learn the harp. She would write and compose music on the piano and could write beautiful poetry. Arlene could converse with anyone, on any subject, as she was an avid reader and did cross words. She enjoyed playing piano, reading, crafts camping, traveling, participating and watching sports, Bible studies, gardening of vegetables and flowers, playing challenging games. She would deer hunt with Leonard and one year shot both deer.
She loved a challenge and was strong willed and ambitious person. She was this way until the very end of her life, Arlene did not give up easily. She always prayed for her children, grandchildren and extended family and would talk of wanting all her family to know the Lord Jesus Christ.
She is survived by her children, two daughters; Judy (and Iver) Lalim of Maynard and Joan (and Richard) Bursby of Rockwall, Texas, two sons; Freddie (and Vicky) Mattson of Willmar and Timothy and (Katie) Mattson of Spicer, fifteen grandchildren and twenty-six great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters; Lyla Sveiven of Santa Barbara, California and Elaine Knochenmus of Balaton, besides other relatives and friends. Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, husband (Leonard in 1999), three grandchildren, two brothers and four sisters.