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Jerald Mattila Obituary – 5/6/2017


Jerald Curtis Edwin Mattila, age 88, of Dassel, passed away Saturday, May 6, 2017, at home, surrounded by his family.

He was born July 4, 1928, in Estelline, SD, to Albert and Marian (Hakala) Mattila. Jerald grew up in Sioux Falls, SD until age 12, then moved with his family to Ortonville, MN, where he graduated from high school in 1947.

Jerald served in the United States Navy from 1950-1954. There, he trained as a diesel mechanic and served our country in the Korean War.

Jerald married Mildred Wuollet Aug. 16, 1952, in Cokato. They made Dassel their home, and were blessed with 16 children.

Jerald made his career as a diesel mechanic.

He enjoyed many hobbies, among them were: fishing, hunting and camping, restoring old tractors, and most recently, at the age of 86, he took up building fishing rods.

Most important to Jerald was family, Mildred, the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jerald is survived by his wife, Mildred, of Dassel; their children: Phillip (Caroline) of Zahl, ND, Susan (Mike) Jurmu of Loretto, Carol (Doug) Wuollet of Delano, Daniel of Dassel, Barbara (David) Wuollet of Plymouth, Maria Bratt of Becker, John (Rita) of Cokato, Mary (Joe) Lehtola of Buffalo, Nancy (Trevor) Simonson of Saskatchewan, Canada, Linda (Jonathan) Parks of Cokato, Sara (Chuck) Wuollet of South Haven, Samuel (Annika), and Eric (Juliana) of Cokato; 121 grandchildren; 153 grreat-grandchildren; daughters-in-law Nancy Mattila of Nisswa, and Mary Kotila of Cokato; and sisters-in-law Carolyn Mattila of Cokato, and Lori Seppala of Buffalo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Marian; three sons, Steven, Gary, and Robert; brothers Mervin and Mark; sister-in-law Judy Mattila; son-in law Gregory Bratt; and five grandchildren.

Jerald’s funeral service took place Thursday, May 11 at 11 a.m. at the Laestadian Lutheran Church of Cokato. Interment was in the Cokato Finnish Cemetery.

There was visitation Wednesday evening, May 10, from 4 to 9 p.m., with a prayer service; at 7 p.m.

Arrangements were with the Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato; www.swansonpeterson.com

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