David Neal "Dave" Mattson

David Neal Mattson, age 61 of Richland, MI, died unexpectedly on Monday morning, September 29, 2014. While his accidental death was tragic, his family is comforted in knowing that his final moments were spent doing the outdoor work he loved.

Dave, the son of Sanfred A. and Norma J. (Dake) Mattson, was born on August 28, 1953 in Newberry, MI; he was a 1972 graduate of Newberry High School and moved to the Richland area in 1976. He served his country honorably and nobly as a member of the United States Army as a Specialist Five with the Third Armored Division in Germany during the Vietnam War. Dave retired in 2008 as the Substation Supervisor for Consumers Energy in Battle Creek, MI after 27 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, a Master Gardener and enjoyed traveling and camping all over the country. His true passions were spending time with his siblings, extended family, children and grandchildren. Dave truly believed that "Life is Good."

Dave was united in marriage to his best friend, Mary K. McCraney, on August 14, 1976 in Newberry, MI. Surviving is his wife of 38 years, Mary, his son, Gregory S. (Kristen) Mattson of Oswego, IL., his daughter, Megan J. (Will) White of Minneapolis, MN, 3 precious grandchildren: William J. Mattson, Lily F. Mattson and Alice M. Mattson and a fourth, Baby Girl White, due in February of 2015. Dave is also survived by five sisters, Karen Livingston of Newberry, MI, Rosie Choi of Redondo Beach, CA, Chris Bynum of Brighton, MI, Michelle (Stewart) Yockey of Reese, MI and Jane (Roger) Norkoli of Traverse City, MI, two brothers, Jim (Ann) Mattson of McMillan, MI and Dan (Roberta) Mattson of Vero Beach, FL and his sister-in-law, Barb (Pete) Tazelaar of Newberry, MI as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Dave was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers-in-law, Robert Livingston, Woo Ill Choi and Chester Bynum.

The Holy Eucharist to celebrate Dave's life will be held on Friday, October 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at St. Timothy Episcopal Church, 9800 East BC Avenue, Richland, with Father Joel L. Turmo, Rector, officiating. Family and friends will continue Dave's life celebration with a time of fellowship and a luncheon immediately following the Mass in the Church Social Hall. The Mattson family will receive friends on Thursday, October 2nd from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89) and one hour prior to the Service on Friday at the Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dave's honor may be directed to the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, 1 East Wacker Drive, Suite 2810, Chicago, IL 60601-1905. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Dave may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com