Warren – E. Neil Mattson, 88, of Warren, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015, at the Good Samaritan Center in Warren.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at First Lutheran Church in Warren. Visitation will be held after 5 p.m., with a 6:30 p.m. Prayer Service on Tuesday at First Lutheran Church in Warren and one hour before services on Wednesday. Interment will be held at Greenwood Cemetery, Warren. Military honors will be provided by the Warren American Legion Post 27.
Edward Neil Mattson was born on Sept. 26, 1926 in Warren, the son of Edgar Nels and Anna Emelia (Swanson) Mattson. He was a life-long resident of Warren, where he graduated from Warren High School in 1944.
Neil served in the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1945. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1948. On Sept. 10, 1950, he married Marilyn Jeanette Erickson. They made their home in Warren. Neil worked at and later owned the family newspaper, The Warren Sheaf, retiring as Editor and Publisher in 1995.
Neil was a longtime member and contributor to the Minnesota Historical Society, beginning with his publication, “Red River Ox Carts Trek Historical Pembina Trail,” and culminating with election as president, serving from 1970-74. He remained active until his death. Neil was also active at First Lutheran Church and Marshall County Historical Society, serving as president of both organizations, was a member of Warren American Legion Post 27 and spent many years assisting with Republican political campaigns.
Neil was an Eagle Scout and served as the local Boy Scout troop committee chairman and North Star Executive Council earning its highest honor, the Silver Beaver Award. He was involved in the establishment of the Red River Valley Historical Society and was a 30 year member of the Agassiz Swedish Heritage Society.
Left to mourn his passing are his wife of 65 years, Marilyn; eight children, John Mattson of Thief River Falls, Kathryn (Warren) Lam of Denver, Colo., Jean (Mark) Larson of Thief River Falls, Eric (Nancy) Mattson of Warren, Brian (Trudy) Mattson of San Antonio, Texas, Duane Mattson of Austin, Texas, Kendall (Julie) Mattson of Grand Forks, N.D., and Angela (Paul) Johnson of Morris; sixteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Hanson of Plymouth and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son, Steven.
An online registration book is available at BOOK: www.duborefuneral
home.com. Arrangements by DuBore Funeral Home of Warren.