Harold J. Mattson, age 77, of Bloomington Minnesota passed away on July 18, 2024, at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis Minnesota.

Harold was born in Ontonagon Michigan to the late Jack and Evelyn Mattson. He grew up on the East Branch Road in Mass City and graduated from the Mass City High School. Upon graduation Harold enlisted in the Army where he proudly served for 2 years in the 101st Airborne (Screaming Eagles) in Vietnam. While in Vietnam he earned a Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Metal for heroism. Quoting the Adjutant General E.M. Strong, "His devotion to duty and personal courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army." Harold didn't talk about his military service very much, but he was a proud Vietnam Veteran, it strongly shaped who he would become, his values and the code he lived by. Unfortunately, Harold ultimately died due to his service in Vietnam where he was exposed to Agent Orange, causing his type of cancer, Multiple Myeloma

After his discharge, Harold earned a BS in Business Administration from Northern Michigan University in Marquette Michigan. He then moved to Bloomington Minnesota where he was self- employed in medical equipment sales and service.

Growing up in Mass on the East Branch Road is a special experience. As a young man, he shared many adventures with his close friend Michael Coffey, bird hunting was one of their favorite pass times.

Harold was a collector of vintage memorabilia, he enjoyed reading about the past, especially learning how the "old folks" did things. He was proud of his Finnish heritage and held his ancestors in high regard for the hardships they endured in order to make a new life for themselves in the United States. Harold kept close ties to Mass City and East Branch, the family home would always be his home.

Harold's father was a role model and a mentor. He taught him to work hard, and he learned from his father the many trades and skills that would serve him well through his years. Harold was a tinkerer like his father, always had a project going and didn't let grass grow under his feet.  In memory of his father, Harold took a trip to Normandy France and visited Omaha Beach, paying tribute to his father and all soldiers who landed there on D-Day. Harold was devoted to his parents, making sure they were taken care of during their older years.

For those who knew Harold, they knew they needed to be "on their game" when it came to conversations about current events since he stayed on top of the news and wasn't afraid to engage in lively conversations about current politics.

Harold is survived by his sisters, Carol Kimbler of Bixby OK, Kathy Shirk of Sheboygan Falls WI and Lisa Mattson (Mark Habeck) of Kronenwetter WI, Nieces and Nephews, Adam Kimbler and Aaron Kimbler, Bixby OK, Hayley Shirk and Matthew Shirk Sheboygan Falls WI, Great Nephews, Armoni Crane and Ethan Shirk, Sheboygan Falls WI, Friends Mike and Sandi Coffey, Mass City, MI. Friend and neighbor Sandy Uotila, Mass City MI. Harold was proceeded in death by his parents Jack and Evelyn Mattson, brother-in-law David Kimbler, great nephew Jacob Kimbler and brother-in-law Shane Shirk.

A small family service was held for Harold at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Greenland Michigan.

May his memory be a blessing.