Craig L Mattson
1952-02-28 2017-03-25
At last, a son! Craig Luverne Mattson was born to Ralph and Frances Clauson Mattson on February 28, 1952 in Karlstad, MN. His first years were spent on a farm near Lake Bronson, MN. His family moved to Minneapolis, MN where he attended Calhoun Elementary School, Westwood Junior High and St. Louis Park High School graduating in 1970. While in high school Craig modified his car and did some drag racing at MN Dragways. Later on he customized a 1965 Nova which he raced at Brainerd International Raceway and Rock Falls, WI with his crew. He enrolled at Dunwoody Institute to learn the trade skill of welding only to be interrupted by a draft notice from the U.S.Army. After basic training he was stationed in Germany. Upon return he traveled to California and found employment making side cars for motorcycles which led him to purchase a Harley Davidson Sportster which he customized. It’s a beauty! Using his skills he was employed by Twin City Welding and Maple Grove Welding for many years until he opened his own shop…. C Mattson’s Welding in Hopkins, MN. He was well known as the best welder in the area.
Craig was married two times and divorced. He has a son, Kyle Luverne, with Jean Moy. He also became a second Dad to Jean’s two children. He has two sisters, Kay and Mary/Lainey Mattson Vagle, Brother-in-law Chuck Vagle and Kay’s son, Kevin whom he considered his brother. Craig’s Doberman Pinscher, Tina, was an important part of his life and well trained.
Craig lived life to the fullest. His friend, Kelly King (and his deceased brother, Jeff) knew him well...the good and the bad. They worked hard but also played hard! They partnered in restoring cars, presently working with Kyle on a 1969 Camaro. Craig made friends easily with everyone he met and retained his connections with high school friends and even Cub Scout friends as well. He would help anyone in need. John 15:12-13. Craig told his sister “this very funeral home has become our hangout now” as he has lost many buddies in recent years.
In the later years he was a seasonal worker for Chuck Minter and family in McGregor, MN on Davis Lake. He became a family member to them. Craig said often it was like paradise living there with clean air, acres of trees and lakes, the natural habitat, picturesque and peaceful. Old Murphy (his least favorite horse) has outlived even Craig!
Craig’s loving care team of Kyle, Kay, Mary/Lainey, Chuck and Julane witnessed his transition to his eternal home. It is a Swedish/Norwegian tradition in our family that when a death has occurred you open a window and light a candle, which we did, to let his spirit soar. At the same moment on the street outside we heard a roaring motorcycle go by…...Craig’s last ride! RIP Buddy!
Survived by a host of family and friends.
Craig was married two times and divorced. He has a son, Kyle Luverne, with Jean Moy. He also became a second Dad to Jean’s two children. He has two sisters, Kay and Mary/Lainey Mattson Vagle, Brother-in-law Chuck Vagle and Kay’s son, Kevin whom he considered his brother. Craig’s Doberman Pinscher, Tina, was an important part of his life and well trained.
Craig lived life to the fullest. His friend, Kelly King (and his deceased brother, Jeff) knew him well...the good and the bad. They worked hard but also played hard! They partnered in restoring cars, presently working with Kyle on a 1969 Camaro. Craig made friends easily with everyone he met and retained his connections with high school friends and even Cub Scout friends as well. He would help anyone in need. John 15:12-13. Craig told his sister “this very funeral home has become our hangout now” as he has lost many buddies in recent years.
In the later years he was a seasonal worker for Chuck Minter and family in McGregor, MN on Davis Lake. He became a family member to them. Craig said often it was like paradise living there with clean air, acres of trees and lakes, the natural habitat, picturesque and peaceful. Old Murphy (his least favorite horse) has outlived even Craig!
Craig’s loving care team of Kyle, Kay, Mary/Lainey, Chuck and Julane witnessed his transition to his eternal home. It is a Swedish/Norwegian tradition in our family that when a death has occurred you open a window and light a candle, which we did, to let his spirit soar. At the same moment on the street outside we heard a roaring motorcycle go by…...Craig’s last ride! RIP Buddy!
Survived by a host of family and friends.