Cheryl Ann Mattson

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Evelyn Christiansen.

Cheryl's legacy will live on in her loving husband of 62 years, Clair; daughter Debra Gilroy; son Kevin (Lisa) and grandsons, Cory and Tyler Mattson.

Cheryl grew up on a dairy farm outside of Hewitt, MN where she developed a deep love for animals, especially their herding dogs and barn cats. She loved posting pictures of animals and nature every day in later years. She also had a deep love and attraction for cardinals, evident in all the pictures, figurines and flags displayed throughout the home and gardens.

Cheryl and Clair met in Minneapolis while she attended the Minnesota School of Business. They were soon married and were rarely apart during their 62 years together. Family was the highest priority of Cheryl’s life. She loved her husband Clair, and children and grandchildren fiercely. Her friends enjoyed this love and loyalty as well. The sparkle in her eye, the ready smile on her lips, the deep interest in what each person was doing, endeared her to all who knew her. And her laugh! Absolutely infectious and filled with joy.

A stay-at-home mom for 10 years, Cheryl kept an immaculate home. She loved doing the dishes, laundry and ironing! She also became an excellent cook although Clair remembers earlier days in their marriage when that wasn’t the case! An accomplished pianist, Cheryl played for church, recitals, and concerts during her early and late teenage years. When Cheryl and Clair moved to Blaine, she taught piano lessons to neighborhood children and is fondly remembered to this day. Once Kevin began school, Cheryl entered the outside workforce. Her first job was at a small manufacturing company, Alt. Later she was hired to work in the instruments department at Medtronic. She retired after more than 30 years of employment. She is remembered by colleagues for an impeccable work ethic, her contributions to the company, her smile and humor, and the joy that she brought into the lives of all those she came into contact with.

Every summer our family would take a two week road trip and explore the United States. Tramping through battle fields of days gone by, exploring water falls, lakes and oceans, visiting national monuments and state parks, enjoying the pools at mom and pop motels, these were summers that were looked forward to and continue to live on in our memories. Cheryl was the cheerful navigator until one trip when we ended up heading INTO NYC instead of away from it. She was reminded of that detour for years to come.

A loving and supporting mom and grandma, Cheryl could be found at any and all activities we were involved with. Band and choir concerts, baseball and football games, wrestling matches, she was always front and center cheering us on. Cheryl loved Christmas and watched with delight as each person unwrapped their gifts, forgetting when it was her turn. Her generosity knew no bounds. The family, especially the grandsons, teased her for years saying, “SAVE THE BOWS!” She never wanted to throw them away. It got to the point where she anticipated the shout and grinned when she got the reaction she was waiting for. And then there’s the story about Tab soda but that can be saved for another day. Our family is blessed with memories that will sustain us through our heartbreak and mourning.

Please join us to Celebrate Cheryl's Life on Sunday, October 3rd, 2021, at Gearhart Funeral Home, 11275 Foley Blvd NW, Coon Rapids. Visitation will be held from 1 - 2 pm with funeral service at 2 pm, and luncheon to follow. Her family would like to thank the many family members and friends, Our Lady of Peace Hospice, Adara Home Health, Jones-Harrison TCU, and others who provided love and support during these last months.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gearhartfuneralhome.com for the Mattson family or www.caringbridge.org/ under Cheryl Mattson Memorials to www.animalhumanesociety.org/