"I was sorry to hear about Bud's passing. He was such a Great Teacher and I had the honor of having him for English at John Marshall. I also had the honor of going to the Boundary Waters with "Mr. Mattson" for a Science Class in May 1980 and have memories that I will never forget. Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God Bless"
In loving memory of
Burlin "Bud" Mattson
December 3, 1933 - March 17, 2017
Burlin Bud Mattson
Bud Mattson, 83, passed away peacefully at home on March 17, 2017 in Rochester, MN surrounded by family. He was born in Minneapolis, MN on December 3, 1933 to parents Carl H. and Dorothy Mattson. He is proceeded in death by his parents and survived by his wife of 61 years, Janet, children Julie Mattson Ostrow (Paul Ostrow), Tracy Mattson (Jim Strande), Jim (Kathy) and grandchildren Jordann Mattson Crowley (Josh), Matthew Ostrow, Lauren Mattson, Christopher Mattson, Kira Strande, Emily Ostrow and Luke Mattson.
Bud grew up in south Minneapolis and attended Washburn High School. At the age of 17 he joined the US Navy and was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Base serving as a hospital corpsman. After being honorably discharged from the navy, he earned his GED and went on to graduate from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN with a Bachelors Degree in English and Masters Degree in Education. It was there that he met his beloved wife Janet. They were married on August 27, 1955 in Rochester.
For over 30 years, Bud taught English and Latin at John Marshall High School in Rochester. It wasnt uncommon for students to line up to register for one of Buds classes. He significantly impacted the lives of thousands of students throughout his teaching career and kept in contact with many former students years after his retirement.
Bud was very active in the Rochester community serving as Worshipful Master of the Masonic Lodge, President of the Rochester Figure Skating Club and active in the Rochester Youth Hockey Association.
In 1984 Bud took a sabbatical from teaching. He and Jan sold their Rochester home and moved to England where they lived for 9 months studying English literature and the land. Bud and Jan wanted to have a once in a life time adventure that they could reflect on when they could no longer travel. After their retirement in 1992, Bud and Jan moved north, to Ely, MN.
After the birth of his grandchildren, the retired Bud began Camp Gpa. Each grandchild spent time with their beloved Gpa, where they learned the love and compassion that Bud embodied. He cheered on his grandchildren at their swim meets, soccer games, tennis matches and figure skating competitions. His closet was filled with the sweatshirts from their high schools, colleges and sports teams.
Between the affectionate nicknames for his family members, pocketsful of cinnamon candies, and the endless stories he told, Buds legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all who knew and loved him
Please join the Mattson Family for a celebration of Buds extraordinary life on Saturday, May 6, 1- 4pm John Marshall High School Cafeteria 1510 14th St NW Rochester, MN 55901
Bud loved to wear sweatshirts and jeans. His closet was filled with them! He especially loved to wear the sweatshirts from his grandchildrens high schools and colleges. We ask that you dress comfortably and wear your favorite sweatshirt, high school, college, sports team- your choice. JM colors, red and black are great too.
Celebration will be heldin the JM Cafeteriawith a programfrom 1:00 1:55pm (typical JM class period). Any longer and Bud would walk out. Expect music, laughs and maybe a few happy tears. Well thenenjoy a cup of tea (or coffee) andsome of Buds favorite treats, share stories and make new friends. Bud never met a stranger, just a new friend.
Private interment at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the North Star Sierra Club, 2327 East Franklin Avenue, Suite 1, Minneapolis, MN 55406-1024. In honor of Bud, please share a few kind words with others.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester MN 55901
www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
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"HI Julie;Thank you for remembering my dad! My parents loved living in Ely. We appreciate your thoughtfulness.Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"HI Chris-You're right, Bud was awesome. On behalf of my family, thank you for sharing your kind words with us. I hope you can join us on May 6 to help celebrate his life.Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"HI Vonnie, Thank you so much for remembering my dad. If you're in Rochester on May 6, I hope you can join us in celebrating his extraordinary life.Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow."
"HI Ken-Yes, my dad walked in all weather and more than once walked to JM in a snow storm only to find out that school was canceled! He'd have to turn around and walk back home again. I believe someone in our family will be wearing his Semper ubi sub ubi sweatshirt at the celebration of his life on May 6. If you're in Rochester, I hope you can join us.Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"HI Todd;Thanks you so much for your kind words. Yes, we feel his loss very deeply but that's because we loved him so very much. I hope you are able to be with us on May 6 to celebrate his life.Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"HI Stacy;Thank you. There are lots of people who will miss Bud.Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"Hi Katie;What a wonderful tribute to my dad, that he inspired your own teaching. Nurses have a very special place in our family. My dad served as a hospital corpsman in the Navy and inspired my brother and sister to be nurses! I'm a dietitian, so it's kind of close. Thank you for your kind words. I hope you are able to join us on May 6 to help celebrate his life.Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"Dear Mr. Bigelow;Thank you so very much for remembering my dad not only as a teacher but as a parent. You were my 5th grade teacher at Winston Churchill and I believe you may have taught my sister Tracy and/or brother Jim. I hope you are able to join us on May 6 to help celebrate my dad's amazing life. Sincerely,Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"HI John;I love you story- having Bud as a teacher would be the only reason to take Latin!! Even though we could never have our dad for a teacher at JM, my siblings and I all were his devoted students. You were very lucky to have had him as a school teacher, I'm envious. We've heard stories . . . I hope you can join us on May 6 to help celebrate his amazing life.Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"HI Mr. and Mrs. French,On behalf of the Mattson family, thank you so much for your kind words about my dad. We appreciate hearing from you.Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"HI Kathy;Thank you so very much for the kind words. There are so many "Bud-isms" like "bone in your ice cream". I'm trying to collect them all! If you're in Rochester, I hope you can join on May 6 to celebrate his life. We'd love to see you.Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"HI Amy;Thank you so much for your kind words. I had heard that your mom was at Homestead when dad was there and that he recognized her right away!! I am so very happy that you were able to tell him that you thought he was a great teacher. It must have meant so much to him and means a lot to me too. Yes, my dad's whistle was well known on both the "little" and "big" blocks in NE Rochester. I hope you and your family can join us on May 6 to help celebrate my dad's life.Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"Hi Jennifer;On behalf of the Mattson family, thank you so very much for remembering our dad. He was an amazing man. Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"Hi Jody;Thank you so much for sharing what being in my dad's class meant to you! Your story has touched my very deeply am very moved to know that he impacted your life. I hope you can join us on May 6 to help celebrate his life.Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"HI Brenda-Thank you so much for your kind words and remembrances on my dad. He was an amazing man. I hope you and family can join us on May 6 to celebrate is life. It would be wonderful to see you and your family.Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"HI Rick;Yes, we'll have "open mic" time after the planned portion of the celebration for people to stand up and remember my dad. I look forward to meeting you and hearing your stories of my dad. See you on May 6.Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"HI Deb;You're right, Bud was extraordinary. We've heard form so many people who all said that my dad made them feel special. He sincerely cared about people and it showed. Thank you for sharing you memories with us. I hope you are able to join us on May 6 to help celebrate his life.Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"Dear Scott;On behalf of the Mattson family, thank you so very much for your kind words remembering my dad. You're right, he was nice, smart, funny and kind. We agree that the world has lost a wonderful human being! I hope you are able to celebrate his life with us on May 6 at JM.Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"Hi Denise;On behalf of my family, thank you so very much for the kind words regarding my dad. I'd like to think he and Ron are having a wonderful time together. Maybe there's a "teacher's lounge" in heaven. If you're in the Rochester area, I hope you can help us celebrate his life on May 6 at JM. I think he'd be so happy to know it is at JM.Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"Hi John, Thank you so much for sharing your memories of my dad with us. And how lucky you were to have him as a teacher and a co-worker. I bet you found that he was the same person to kids as well as his peers. I hope you are able to join us on May 6 to celebrate his life. It's at JM.Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"Dear Frank and Pat;Thank you so much for remembering my dad. Ely was such a big part of their lives and I know he left a piece of his heart there when they moved back to Rochester. I hope you are able to join us to celebrate is life on May 6. The 1pm service is in Rochester at the high school he taught at for 30 years- John Marshall. More details are on this website.Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"Hi Dan;I love your story! I can't believe that you remember those details from so long ago. I think that must have been dad's first year at JM too. Our family is amazed at all of the lives dad touched. Thank you so much for sharing that with us. I hope you are able to join us for the celebration of his life on May 6 at JM. Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"HI Pat, Thank you so very much for your kind words about my dad and sharing that he made an impact on your life! I know what a tremendous impact and influence he had on his kids and grandkids, so to hear that he impacted your life makes me so proud. I hope you are able to join us to celebrate his life on May 6 at JM.Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"Hi Michelle;On behalf of my family, thank you for your words of comfort and peace.Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"HI Becky and Mike, On behalf of the Mattson family, thank you so much for your kind remembrances of my dad. Ely was and still is a very special place for our family. Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"Dear Bruce,On behalf of the Mattson family, thank you so very much for sharing your memories of my dad. You were one of the lucky ones to get to have breakfast with Bud! He loved breakfast and Cheap Charlie's was at the top of his list. I hope you are able to join us on May 6 at JM to celebrate his extraordinary life. Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"HI Andrew;What great memories you have of my dad. As kids we heard all of the same stories and I kick myself that I never got him on video telling some of them. We grew up with his cast of characters- Torvo Scratch, Biblious O'Bumper and Molly Putz, to name a few. Thank you so much for sharing your memories with us. I hope you are able to join us on May 6 to celebrate is life. More details are on this website.Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"Hi Sandy-Thank you so very much for sharing your Bud story with us. Our family loved Ely and are so glad to know that they were loved too.Sincerely, Julie Mattson Ostrow"
"Dearest Mattson family,How lucky you were to have an extraordinary man like "Bud" in your lives.Mr. Mattson was my English teacher at JM and what a teacher he was. His passion for teaching was only surpassed by his passion for people. He had a way of making us all feel special, and always making us laugh.I am so sorry for your loss."
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"I would feel honored to say a few words.If that is possible, please let me know and how many minutes I may speak."
"Jim - as with so many, Bud was one of my favorite people for many reasons. My sympathies to you and your family."
"I had Bud as my teacher at JM in 1983. He was my favorite teacher. I looked forward to going to class. He had integrity, kindness and a wonderful sense of humor. He taught me confidence and to believe in myself to get up in front of the class. He made you feel welcome and genuinely cared about you. He is what a teacher should be. I will always remember his smile and kindness. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers for his family."
"Condolences to the entire Mattson Family. I was sorry to hear of Bud's passing. I was lucky to see him recently and reminisce memories of my teen years and all the stories he used to tell me while drinking his coffee outside in his yard. I remember him walking to JM everyday to work. I always remember him being so calm and caring. He also never lost his sense of humor. Rest in peace Bud! You touched alot of hearts."
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"Mr Mattson was one of my favorite teachers. Why else would i take Latin for 3 yrs.....He was also interested in his students' lives and was tremendously warm and engaging. I was lucky to have him as a teacher. He was one of of the best! Thank you Bud! John Cokinos, jr-Class of 1991 JM"
"Such great memories of Bud and his wonderful teaching styles. I remember how much I admired that he would walk to/from JM from home (despite the weather!)I also remember his quote "I hope you don't find bones in your ice cream". Great family, great guy!Kathy Clark Martinson - Class of 1979"
"We were saddened to hear the news of Buds passing. He was a great neighbor & very patient with our "coon" dogs when we moved on Erin Lane. We won't be able to be with you , but know that we are thinking of you."
"We were sorry to hear of Bud's passing. Know that we are thinking of you as we will not be able to join you for the service."
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"I just learned of Bud's passing tonight while visiting my mother. I can hear Bud's distinct "whistle" that he used to call Jim to the house, back in the days when all the neighborhood kids all got together at night to have fun! I feel blessed to have seen Bud just a couple weeks ago, to be able to tell him what a great teacher he was! My prayers go out to the entire Mattson family. Rest in peace Bud!"
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"So sorry to hear of Bud's passing, he was such a great guy.. always greeted me with a big hug. Bud, you were one of my most favorite customer's at Zup's in Ely!! R.I.P. Bud, i will miss you "
"Bud was awesome. He walked to school everyday. I went to school with all three kids.....a wonderful family!! I have very fond memories of this great teacher!!"
"I had Mr Mattson as an English teacher in the 70s. He was a quiet, kind man. Sorry for your loss."
"So sorry to hear about Mr. Mattson's passing. I had him for Latin and homeroom in the late 80's and he is still my favorite teacher. I always loved how he related to us with his stories and his calm demeanor. I also respected his walking to work from home in any kind of weather! He had quite a sense of humor- manifested in the motto for the Latin Club at JM. Semper ubi sub ubi, Bud!"
"A truly unique and passionate teacher/father who was caring and concerned for others. What a loss this must be to his family and friends. Rest well Bud, you have touched many."
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"I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. Mattson's passing. He was one of my favorite teachers at JM in the late 80s."
"Mr. Mattson was the kind of teacher who was born to be one. He taught by example and how he lived his life, with kindness and respect for others. He really cared about his students. I had the pleasure of meeting him again last spring, when I was teaching nursing students. I am proud to have been one of his students and to carry on his principles in my own teaching. My thoughts are prayers are with his family and all who knew and loved him."
"My deepest sympathy! I remember bud as a wonderful parent and a great teacher!"
"My condolences. Bud was a great guy, fun teacher to have while I was at JM i nthe 1980's, and a good co-worker later when I worked there in the early 1990's. Always liked talking with Bud because his smile made your day."
"We are very saddened to hear of Bud's passing. We so enjoyed our many coffees in Ely during our Summers spent there. We will always remember Bud for his friendliness toward everyone he met, and the volunteer work he was always involved in.Love,Pat and Frank Decker"
"I was a Latin and Homeroom student of Mr. Mattson in 1962-63 at JM. He was also the leader of a High-Y group I was in. In addition to Latin, he taught me how to spit shine my shoes and tie a necktie. In High-Y he would patiently listen to the silliness of adolescent boys and gently keep us within reasonable boundaries. What a fine man and great role model for kids. I'm sure he mentored hundreds over the years. I was lucky to know him. Peace to Mr. Mattson and to his family."
"He was a great teacher who impacted positively on my life as a adult"
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"I am sorry about your dear Grandpa, and I hope that these promises from the Scriptures will bring you solace at this difficult time. Jehovah God is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit. And he will wipe away the tears from all faces. Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 25:8 NWT. Peace be with you."
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"Dear Jan and family,We are saddened to hear of Bud's passing. We so enjoyed getting to know you both in Ely. He was a kind and generous man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time.Becky and Mike"
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"Bud was my favorite teacher. This was because he could relate so well with the class and students he taught. Through his class Bud inspired me to write. Bud also inspired me more than once to have breakfast with him at Cheap Charlies. The conversations in class and at breafast were fun, candid and full of life's lessons. We all are so glad to have known you! Travel well in your next journey Bud!"
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"I graduated in 1987. I don't remember much Latin, but I remember the stories about basic training at naval camp in Chicago. I remember building a homecoming float in his garage, how many other teachers would allow that? I remember him talking about his high school days, I remember the big lead up to finding out his given first name. I remember Torvo Scratch, and how wild horses couldn't drag something out of him. Bud was one of the great ones."
"What a generous, kind, loving, funny, thoughtful, giving man...he will be missed by John and Quay and I. He was a Grandpa to the boys when they were little and so genuinely cared for them. Bud and I volunteered together at the Ely Area Food Shelf when I started it and he always gave 110%. What a sweet, sweet man. He will always have a special place in our thoughts and hearts. Rest in peace Bud. "
"Bud was such a great person and a mentor to so many! I loved how he would walk everywhere (I think Ron White was his biggest walking fan!) He will be missed."
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"So sad to hear. What a great teacher, and what a nice, smart, funny, kind man. The world has lost a wonderful human being."
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