E. Neil Mattson

E. Neil Mattson, 88, of Warren, MN, passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2015, at the Good Samaritan Center in Warren.

Edward Neil was born on September 26, 1926 in Warren, the son of the local newspaper owner, Edgar Nels Mattson and his wife, Anna Emelia (Swanson). He was baptized and confirmed in First Lutheran Church in Warren. Neil was active in Boy Scouts, earning his Eagle rank. He loved history classes. He worked at the family paper, The Warren Sheaf and graduated from Warren High School in 1944. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces while a Senior, at the age of 17. He was called into active duty in March of 1945. Because WWII ended, he was honorably discharged in November of that year.

Neil continued his education at the University of Minnesota, where he majored in Journalism and minored in both History and Political Science. After graduating in 1948, Neil felt the need to prove that he could “make it” at a newspaper that wasn't owned by his family. He took a job on Long Island, New York, for a year of experience before returning home to Warren. In 1952 Neil began writing his weekly columns, “Sheaves, Kernels, and Some Chaff” and “Yesteryears” some 2,232 times. Neil met Marilyn Jeanette Erickson and they were united in marriage on September 10, 1950, in Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Alvarado, MN.

To this union nine children were born. Marilyn was the epitome of the old saying, “ Behind every great man stands a great woman.” Neil credited her as his single greatest supporter and partner. Over the years, he acquired full ownership of the Sheaf. Together with his son, John, he purchased the Thief River Falls Times in 1986. He also owned the Roseau Times-Region for several years which his son, Duane, edited and published.

Neil was active in civic organizations and was especially influential in the Boy Scouts, serving as Warren Troop Committee Chairman and on the Northern Lights Executive Council, earning its highest honor, the Silver Beaver Award in 1959. His status among local history buffs is legendary, having helped found the Red River Valley Historical Society and being a long-time member and past president of the Marshall County Historical Society. He helped establish “Settler's Square,” moved the Soo Line Depot to the fairgrounds, and published the book, “Self Portrait of Marshall County. Neil was a member and contributor on the state level to the Minnesota Historical Society, beginning with his 1958 publication, “Red River Ox Carts Trek Historic Pembina Trail,” and culminating with his election as president, serving from 1970-74. He was active until his death. Neil and Marilyn were involved with Agassiz Swedish Heritage Society for nearly 30 years. In 1956, he was chairman of Warren's Jubilee Celebration, chaired First Lutheran's Centennial in 1981, and served on the Minnesota Bicentennial Committee. Neil was a 69-year member of the American Legion and a life-long Republican.

After his retirement from the Sheaf in 1995, Neil and Marilyn enjoyed more traveling and visiting their family. Over the years, they toured 49 states and saw many historical points of interest, all documented in the Sheaf and in their annual New Year's newsletter.

Neil will be remembered as a supporter of local business and a regional figurehead, but more importantly, as a loving father and grandfather.

Left to mourn his passing are his wife of 65 years, Marilyn; eight children, John Mattson of Thief River Falls, MN, Kathryn (Warren) Lam of Denver, CO, Jean (Mark) Larson of Thief River Falls, MN, Eric (Nancy) Mattson of Warren, MN, Brian (Trudy) Mattson of San Antonio, TX, Duane Mattson of Austin, TX, Kendall (Julie) Mattson of Grand Forks, ND and Angela (Paul) Johnson of Morris, MN; sixteen grandchildren, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Audrey, Andrew, Brittany, Jillian, Evan, Daniel, Braden, Katie, Megan, Quinn, Hunter, Anika, Jacob, and Teresa; five great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Hanson of Plymouth, MN and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son, Steven.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 2:00 PM on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at First Lutheran Church in Warren, MN

VISITATION: After 5:00 PM with a 6:30 PM Prayer Service on Tuesday at First Lutheran Church in Warren and one hour before services on Wednesday.

INTERMENT: Greenwood Cemetery, Warren, MN

MILITARY SERVICE BY: Warren American Legion Post #27

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