Obituary: Gary Arvid Mattson
Author: Nancy Cobban, Jennifer Sorheim and Nikki DeMartin
Gary Arvid Mattson was born on April 26, 1939, in Republic, Michigan, to Arvid and Vieno Mattson. He passed away on March 7, 2026, in Arizona, following several years of health challenges.
Gary was the oldest of two children, welcoming his sister Gail just eleven months later. In the 1950s, the Mattson family relocated to Montana, where Gary would put down deep roots. He graduated from Broadwater High School, where he was a proud Bulldog and enjoyed athletics. Following graduation, he served his country in the United States Navy. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Townsend, the community he would always call home.
Gary spent over 43 years working at the mill in Townsend, where he served as a superintendent and was known for his strong work ethic, steady leadership, and the respect he earned from those he worked alongside. He took pride in his work and the life it helped him build.
In his younger years, Gary had a spirited and mischievous side—never one to cause serious trouble, but always ready for a little fun, a laugh, and perhaps testing the limits in the way many boys of his era did. That sense of humor and lightheartedness stayed with him throughout his life.
Gary married Susan McElravy, and together they raised four children Mark, Jennifer, Jeff and Ryan. Later in life, he found his soulmate, Penny Teller Deal. They were married in April 2001, and from that moment on, life was filled with even more love, laughter, and companionship. Gary was a steady and supportive partner to Penny in all things. Whether it was remodeling projects, building something new, cheering her on in her drag racing adventures or the many businesses they started. Whatever idea she dreamed up, he was right there beside her, always willing to go along for the ride.
Together, they shared a deep bond, enjoying time spent with family, relaxing by the pool, taking drives, and simply being together. Anyone who knew them could see they truly cherished one another.
Gary had a gift for making people feel comfortable and welcome. While he wasn’t one to seek out large family gatherings on his own, he embraced the importance of them through Penny and genuinely enjoyed being part of those moments. He had a way of quietly showing up, sharing in the laughter, and making those around him feel at ease.
When he married Penny, he welcomed her daughters into his life as adults. Gary always treated them with kindness, acceptance, and respect, never making them feel anything less than family.
He especially enjoyed the simple moments—spending time with his brothers-in-law, sharing laughs, and making the occasional trip for In-N-Out burgers, which became a favorite tradition. He was witty, fun to be around, and someone people naturally gravitated toward.
He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Penny; his children, Mark (Gina), Jennifer Sorheim (Bob), and Ryan; and his bonus daughters, Nancy Cobban (John) and Nikki DeMartin (Randy). He also leaves behind a large and loving group of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in his heart. Through his marriage, he also gained the extended Teller family, including Penny’s sisters and their families, with whom he shared many good times and lasting memories.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Arvid and Vieno Mattson; his sister and brother-in-law, Gail and Terry Carmody; and his son, Jeff. Very close friends Dave Doig, Red Davey, Frank Nopper and Don Lewis.
Gary was proud of his Finnish heritage and carried himself with the quiet strength and resilience it represents. He was, as many would say, one tough Finlander.
Above all, Gary will be remembered for his humor, his warmth, his smell of old spice cologne and his easy acceptance of others. And of course, for his signature smirk that said so much without words and was so uniquely Gary. He made people feel at home, valued, and included, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Memorial service with military honors at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 25th, 2026 at the Faith Baptist Church, 5 Jackfarm Road in Townsend, MT.
Coffee hour to follow at The American Legion on Broadway in Townsend.
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PhotoCredit: Nancy Cobban
Image 1 Caption: Gary Arvid Mattson
