Louis A. Mattson, 89, of Pengilly, MN. passed away December 31, 2023, in Grand Rapids, MN.

The son of commercial fishermen, Lou was the last surviving member of the Mattson Tobin Harbor Fishery on Michigan's Isle Royale. The fishery on Isle Royale, and family homesteads settled in the 1890's at Larsmont and the French River on Minnesota's North Shore were part of Lou's DNA. If you knew Lou, you knew about the family legacy on Lake Superior.

The landscape of northern Minnesota inspired Lou to pursue a BS in Geology from the University of Minnesota Duluth and an MS in Geology from the University of Minnesota and the Colorado School of Mines. This education would lead to a 30-year career highlighted by travel around the world while working for M.A. Hanna's Minerals Research Laboratory in Nashwauk.

Lou's sharp mind did not rest in retirement. He extensively researched family genealogy culminating in connections with relatives in Larsmo, Finland, enhanced his boat collection at the home he and Peggy built on Swan Lake, supported the Isle Royale Friends and Family Association (IRFFA), traveled extensively, and with camera in hand attended hundreds of extracurricular events cheering his grandchildren. Lou was a 50+ year member of Nashwauk Lutheran Church.

Lou was exceptionally grateful to caregivers at Grand Itasca Hospital, Essentia Health and St. Luke's in Duluth.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Art and Inez Mattson; and sister, Lorraine Carlson. Lou leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Margaret (Peggy) Mattson; children, David (Gloria), Tim (Tricia) and Jennifer. Lou's children blessed him with five beautiful grandchildren and their partners; Alex (Aly), Courtney (Michael), Andrew (Bailey), Alexa (George), Ana; great-grandchildren, Amandine and Arielle.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Nashwauk Lutheran Church in Nashwauk, MN beginning at 1:00 PM and lasting until the 2:00 PM memorial service. Rev. Aaron Lofgren will officiate.

Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, Duluth, MN at a later date.