Clarence Mattson

Submitted Story

Published: Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

  Clarence “Frenchy” Mattson was born April 4, 1925, in Ogema, Wis., to Robert and Bessie (Yunek) Mattson. He graduated from high school and enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving during WWII. Frenchy logged in Northern Idaho for a number of years before moving to the area in 1961 to work for the Forest Service. He was united in marriage to Myrtle Wood on Nov. 27, 1965, in Rapid City, S.D. Frenchy worked primarily as a logger for the Forest Service and also a liaison officer on the Pine Ridge (S.D.) Indian Reservation. Frenchy enjoyed playing pool, hunting, fishing and working with his trail dogs. He was a former member of the Black Hills Fire Fighting Team. Frenchy, of Hill City, S.D., died  Thursday, April 30, 2009, at Custer (S.D.) Regional Senior Care Facility. He was 84. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sons, Eric, Milan and Mark; three brothers, Roy, Gilbert and Jerry; and his sister, Marie. He is survived by his wife, Myrtle Mattson of Hill City, three daughters, Roberta (Terry) Burnham of Sand Point, Idaho, Evonne Cameron of Arizona, and Tina (Shane) Rabidue of Priest River, Idaho; two sons, Clarence “Sparky” Mattson of Walla Walla, Wash.,  and Terry (Melissa) Mattson of Gillette, Wyo.; four step-daughters, Yvonne (George) Schmaljohn of Pasco, Wash., Doris (Jerry) Schiefer of Hill City, Janice (Gary) Smith of Boise, Idaho, and Cathaleen (Jerry) Dahlgren of Hay Springs, Neb.; one stepson, Gary (Rhonda) Wood of Caldwell, Idaho; two sisters, Betty  (Jess) Lyda of Orphena, Idaho, and Mary (Neil) McKenzie of Boise; daughter-in-law, Pamela Mattson of Custer; 37 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.  Services were May 6 at Kirk  Funeral Home in Rapid City. Burial with full military honors followed at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, S.D. Family and friends may sign Frenchy’s online guest book at www.kirkfuneralhome.com.