Leslie ‘Les’ Nyle Mattonen, Jr.
GLADSTONE – Leslie “Les” Nyle Mattonen, Jr., age 67, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, January 17, 2021 at his home due to surgery complications. He was born on January 12, 1954 in Escanaba, MI, the son of Leslie N. Sr., and Bernice (Wallin) Mattonen. At a young age, his family moved to Illinois where he grew up and graduated from Zion Benton Township High School in 1972. Following graduation, Les went on to attend Electrical Journeyman School for four years. Les married the former Sandra Joy Darus on August 4, 1984 and together shared 36 years of marriage and raised four children – his pride and joy. He was employed as a Union Electrician with IBEW Local 150 of Lake County, IL and had a lasting electrical career for 32 years until his retirement in 2009. Through the IBEW, Les built lifelong friendships he considered as extended family.
Les and his family relocated to the Upper Peninsula, settling in Gladstone, MI in 2000. Les greatly enjoyed the outdoors – hunting, fishing, and going to the family camp in Cornell, MI. Les enjoyed many sports and hobbies throughout every stage in life including; softball, poker, pool, bean bags, horseshoes, dartball, and listening to all genres of music. Les and Sandy vacationed in Florida during the winter months where he visited friends, golfed, participated in horseshoe tournaments, and enjoyed the beach. Les showed his love by being in the kitchen cooking and grilling for family and friends, especially his famous fish fry’s. Les was close with his siblings and always cherished their time they spent together. Les had a running poker game for 35+ years with a group of close friends that were like family to him. Les took great pride in restoring and driving his 1970 Corvette. He was a man of many trades, from building his home in Gladstone to weekend DIY projects. Les had zest for life and lived it to the fullest; he was a caring son, loving husband, proud father, tender grandfather, loyal friend and he will be missed by all.
Leslie N. Mattonen Jr. is survived by his wife, Sandy Mattonen of Gladstone, Mich.; children, Dan Mattonen of Seattle, Wash., Amanda (Blake) Crider of Grand Rapids, Mich., Courtney Mattonen of Howell, Mich., and Bradley Mattonen of Oklahoma City, OK; grandchildren, Cruz Crider, Emree Crider, and Gabriel Mattonen; sisters, Sharon Qualls, Kathy (Ken) Henke, and Debby (Barney) McLin; brother, Wayne (Judy) Mattonen; father-in-law, Michael Darus; many nieces and nephews and many dear friends.
In addition to his parents, Leslie was preceded in death by his sister, Rosemary Mattonen; mother-in-law, Joy Darus; and his grandson, Asher James Crider.
Public visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, January 22, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba, Mich.
The Anderson Funeral Homes are assisting the Mattonen family and online remembrances can be shared at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.