Chad Mattson

As a result of current restrictions on gatherings, we are providing HeartStrings, our online sympathy message where you can upload a photo and write a note or share a memory that will be printed and given to the family. Please click here to send your support.

Chad Allan Mattson, age 21, of Eagan, Minnesota. He was born September 23, 1999 and passed away suddenly on April 8, 2021. Cause of death is unknown at this time due to the COVID testing and medical examiner testing delays. He had recently been hospitalized for pneumonia and a severe lung infection.

Chad lived his entire life in Eagan, Minnesota. His parents are Julie A. and Mark E. Mattson, of Chisago City, MN. He was a graduate of Eagan High School.  Chad was our greatest gift and the love of our life. He was known as a gentle and sweet person. He had a happy disposition and always did his best to make sure all his friends and family were happy as well.  Most of Chad’s weekends during the summer months were spent on our boat, on the St. Croix River, with our “marina” family. This family always made sure the kids had their life jackets on,and were always accounted for. He had a special gift of sneaking off to the neighboring boats, and would stay there until they gave him a cookie. He had several good friends growing up on the river, almost a Huck Finn type of early youth.  He also had his “lake” family at Mark’s family cabin in Cormorant, Minnesota. The pictures of Chad catching fish with his Dad are some of the best and still some of our favorite memories. Chad participated in many activities and sports over his 21 years. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He enjoyed camping and was able to attend Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, the Sea Base Scuba facility in Islamorada, Florida, and canoeing in Isle Royale National Park. Chad was the fourth of three generations to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.  He played football and wrestled for Eagan High School. His wrestling family was a special one and he stayed in contact with many of the “boys” since high school. Chad enjoyed his spring break trips to Treasure Island, Florida and also skiing with his Dad in Vail, Colorado.  Chad’s life always had water close by, even when his parents sold their Eagan home and  moved to their Chisago City lake home. He would bring his friends up for the weekend and always enjoyed taking his buddies out on the pontoon. One time the boys dropped us off on the sandbar, and all we could hope is that they came back to get us. His final weekend before his passing, he helped his Dad ready the dock for the season and put the pontoon in the lake. He was always such a good helper.  Fourth of July was one of his favorite holidays. At the marina, at the cabin, in Eagan, or Chisago City, he always had his friends over for a fireworks display. The last four years or so, he always saved money to run across the river to load up on fireworks. He did not care about the expense, he just wanted to put on a great show.  Chad worked for Punch Pizza in Eagan, MN since high school. They closed temporarily during COVID, and when they called him back to help reopen last fall, he was thrilled. He loved to work and was ultimately trained to become a Pizzaiolo (professional pizza maker). As a parent, you always want your child to be happy. Well, Chad was happiest when he was working at Punch with his “Punch” family. Many of them became his best friends over the years and while some moved on, they always kept in touch.  He is survived by his parents, Mark & Julie Mattson; grandmothers, Janine Mattson & Joyce Schoenbeck; uncles & aunts, John (Paula) Mattson, Jan Morris, Dave (Kathy) Schoenbeck,Vicki (Bill) Tschida; cousins, Becca (Charlie) Vermace, Abby (Garrett) Schoenbeck Gustafson, Staci (Aaron) Nelson, Hilary (Kevin) Klein, Jenna (Aaron) Binsfeld, Erik (Tiffany) Schoenbeck; many second cousins and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Roger Mattson, Don & Joy Schoenbeck; uncles, Doug Schoenbeck & Doug Morris.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Chad on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at 2:00-5:00 PM at our home in Chisago City, MN.  Memorials are preferred to the Minnesota State Fair Foundation (www.https://www.msffoundation.org). Chad loved the State Fair and the car shows every year.  We will be placing a bench in the Fairgrounds with a commemorative plaque for Chad.