Clarence Mattson

Clarence “Bud” Gustaf Mattson, 92, of Pepin, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Eagle’s Rest Assisted Living in Pepin, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on April 26, 1933, in Maiden Rock Township, Pierce County, Wisconsin, to Clarence and Ellen (Peterson) Mattson. He graduated from Plum City High School in 1950 and went on to attend the Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He returned home to work on the family farm before entering military service, proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 to 1956 during the Korean Conflict.

Following his honorable service, he was united in marriage to Betty Bradley at the Lund Mission Covenant Church on April 28, 1956. They farmed near Plum City for many years before relocating to Red Wing, Minnesota in the fall of 1981. Bud was employed as a security guard at the Prairie Island Nuclear Power Plant until his retirement in 1997. They made their home in Red Wing until relocating to Wells Creek in 1987. In 2010, they moved to Austin to be near family. Betty passed away on October 9, 2019. Following her death, Bud returned to Wisconsin and made his home at the Eastside Apartments in Pepin. For the past year he has resided at Eagle's Rest Assisted Living in Pepin.

While residing in Red Wing, he and Betty were members of Concordia Lutheran Church where they served in various capacities, as they did in other congregations they called home. Bud was a member of Lund Mission Covenant Church.

Besides his family, Bud’s faith was also especially important to him. He was a member of the Gideons, and his passion was serving as Chaplain at Goodhue County Jail. Bud’s ministry touched the lives of many. He had a wonderful gift of reciting scripture, poems, and songs–all from memory. His booming voice could be heard singing not only in church, but out on the farm or at home. His family brought him great joy, and many wonderful memories were shared over the years.

Bud is survived by three loving daughters; Cheryl (Dale) Rozeboom of Mason, MI, Barbara (John) Cunningham of Citrus Heights, CA and Debra (Michael) Larson of Pepin; 11 grandchildren, 24 great -grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Flora Holt of Bay City; son-in-law, Bill Maxwell and many nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, Betty, he was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Brenda Mattson and Diane Maxwell and two brothers, Harry and Melvin.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel in Red Wing and at the church for one hour prior to the service on Monday. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday, May 4, 2026, at Lund Mission Covenant Church, rural Stockholm, with Pastor Darren Catron officiating. The service will be live-stream and can be viewed below.  Burial with full military honors will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Pepin. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at both Eagle's Rest and St. Croix Hospice and to all who supported Bud with kindness, friendship, and care.