Darrell J. and Denise L. Mattson

Darrell James Mattson, age 73, and Denise Lillian (Koslowski) Mattson, age 68, of Stark MN passed away on March 5th, 2023.

Darrell was born on May 25, 1949 to James and Ruth (Brackenbury) Mattson. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from North Branch High School. He then served in the United States Army.  As a Vietnam Veteran, he was proud of his service to his country.  After returning home, Darrell spent his professional career in transportation.

Denise was born on October 6, 1954 to George and Florence (Snaza) Koslowski. She was raised in Grenville, South Dakota before moving with her family to North Branch, MN in 1970. Denise graduated from North Branch High School and then, while raising her family, spent her career in the health care profession in Rush City and Cambridge hospitals.

Darrell and Denise were married on April 20, 1974 at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in North Branch, MN. To this union, they added three amazing children. For the rest of their lives, they counted themselves blessed for the gifts of Kirk, Kami and Kent, and their six grandchildren.

For Darrell and Denise, building strong relationships with family and friends was a priority. They regularly hosted friends and family at their home in Stark, as well as at their camper on Rush Lake. Both enjoyed being outside, camping, and fishing. Darrell always looked forward to spring so he could get their vegetable gardens going; and Denise looked forward to the fall when she would snuggle in and start her crocheting projects. Both hobbies were done with the thought of others in mind, as the fruits of their respective hobbies always found homes elsewhere.

Denise and Darrell were also proud members of the Isanti, MN VFW Post 2735. Darrell served on Color Guard, and Denise was President of the Auxiliary. Supporting and donating time to our nation’s military veterans was important to them, and they saw it as another way they could honor their country and give back to their community.

Darrell is preceded in death by his parents, James and Ruth Mattson. Denise is preceded in death by her father, George Koslowski, and her stepfather, Eugene Robinson. Denise and Darrell are joined in death by their son, Kirk Mattson.

They leave behind their daughter Kami (Colin) Brand of Otsego, MN; son Kent (Marri) Mattson of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren John, Isaac, Alison and Daniella Brand, Bryce Raduziner, and Ethan Mattson; Darrell’s siblings Beverly (Martin) Zachrison of Isanti and Philip (Tonia) Mattson of Stark; Denise’s mother Florence Robinson of North Branch; Denise’s siblings Fred (Jo) Koslowski of Milltown, WI, Eric (Maggie) Koslowski, Dominic (Cindy) Koslowski, and Lea (Terry) Dehn all of North Branch, George (Angela) Koslowski of Fort Dodge, IA; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Memorial Gathering will be held from 4-8PM, Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home in Cambridge.

In lieu of flowers memorials to the Isanti VFW Auxiliary Post 2735 Memorial Fund are preferred.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Darrell J. and Denise L. Mattson, please visit our floral store.