IRONWOOD, Mich. - Joann Eva Mattson, of Ironwood, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital.

JoAnn was born Jan. 4, 1940, in Ironwood. She grew up as the youngest child in a large family on Margaret Street. She graduated from Luther L. Wright High School, Gogebic Community College and the University of Wisconsin-Superior. After working for the Ironwood Carnegie Library during high school and college, she had a long career teaching kindergarten for the Hurley, Wisconsin, Public Schools.

JoAnn married Ernest Mattson in 1964 at Trinity Lutheran Church where she became a lifelong member, taught Sunday school, and sang in the choir. She loved flower gardening, woodworking projects and reading. She also loved her family and loved attending her children's and grandchildren's school and sporting events as often as possible.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, John L. Strand and Lovida Christine (Olsen) Strand; her loving husband, Ernest, on July 23, 2008; and her siblings, Ronald, Eunice, Ruth, June and Patricia.

She is survived by twin daughters, Carrie (Scott) Steinlicht of Brookings, South Dakota, and Sheri Mattson of Ironwood; a son, Paul (Dori) Mattson of Ironwood; and a brother, John Strand. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Corissa Mattson of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Bo Mattson of Ironwood, Carl Steinlicht and Johanna Steinlicht, both of Brookings; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Honorary pallbearers are her grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Ironwood on Friday, April 11, starting at 10 a.m. followed by an 11 a.m. service officiated by Pastor David Jacob. Following the service, there will be a luncheon in the church fellowship hall.

Any donations can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or your favorite children's charity such as St. Jude's, Shriner's, or Ronald McDonald House.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.