Rev. John Mattson

Rev. John J. Mattson

Age 77 of Morris, Illinois and formerly of Downers Grove, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, December 30, 2020 at his home.

Born April 4, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois, John Joseph was a son of Arthur E. and Ramona (nee Rostochil) Mattson. He was raised and educated in Downers Grove and graduated from Downers Grove High School with the Class of 1962. Following high school, John entered into the United States Army. He honorably served from 1963-1966, of which during that time he was stationed in England. Following his discharge, John married Nancy M. Hawkinson in the United Methodist Church of West Pullman in Chicago. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Illinois, Chicago and later his Master’s in Business Administration from Benedictine University in Lisle. John began a career with Advocate Healthcare Corporate Office, where he worked in computer programming and information systems for 15 years. During those years, John followed his call to ministry and earned his Master’s in Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary in Hyde Park. He then went on to pastor for the Presbyterian Church (USA) in Montezuma and Clinton, Indiana from 2000 until his retirement in 2009. John and Nancy relocated to Morris, Illinois to be closer to family, and here they became active with the First Presbyterian Church of Morris, where he continued to be an active and dedicated member.

John was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, Downers Grove Lodge, and in past years belonged to the DuPage Valley Barbershop Chorus. In addition to barbershop singing, John enjoyed singing in the church choir; bowling on a league; traveling and camping. He coached little league baseball when his boys were young, and served as a Boy Scout leader. The family shared many memorable trips to the National Parks, and he took pleasure in playing games, especially Cribbage, Sudoku and Bridge.

One who never had an unkind word about anyone, John was the light and the joy of his family.

Survivors include his loving wife of 51 years, Nancy; two sons: John A. Mattson of Oswego, Illinois and David (Erin) Mattson of Taylor Springs, Illinois; six grandchildren: Ashley and Tyler of Oswego and Anne, Joe, Sally and Mark of Taylor Springs; two brothers: Arthur (Angie) Mattson of Orange, California and Robert (the late Terry) Mattson of Calara, Alabama; one brother-in-law, Bob Mladic of Morris and three sisters-in-law: Alice (the late Edward) Kramarz of Lockport, Ellen (James) Rossi of Oak Forest and Janet (Jeffery) Monahan of Midlothian, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

John was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother Erna; one brother, Alan Mattson, sister, Nancy Mladic and one brother-in-law, Robert (Suzette) Hawkinson.

The family will gather for a private family visitation and service on Saturday, January 2, 2021.

Those wishing to watch the services virtually are welcome to logon to the service which will be available through a link on John’s memorial page after January 2, 2021.

Cremation rites will be accorded following the services, and inurnment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Morris at a later date.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share John’s memorial page online through social media by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com/obituary/RevJohn-Mattson.

Funeral services and cremation arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Morris. (815-942-2500)