Charles "Choker" Mattila

Republic - Charles W. "Choker" Mattila, age 85, a lifelong resident of Republic, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the Eastwood Nursing Center, surrounded by the loving care of his family and the dedicated nursing staff.

Choker was born in Ishpeming on October 28, 1940, the son of the late Alger and Ruth (Carlson) Mattila. He attended Republic High School and graduated with the Class of 1958. Following graduation, he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, serving aboard the USS Forrestal during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

After his military service, Choker returned home and began a long and fulfilling career - first with the LS&I Railroad, and later as an electrician with the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company at the Republic and Empire Mines. He retired in 1995 after 30 years of dedicated service.

An active member of his community, Choker belonged to Bethany Lutheran Church, Republic Community & Youth Association, Treasurer for Republic Youth Camp Association. He was also a lifelong member of the Moose Country Snowmobile Club.

Choker enjoyed the simple pleasures of life: bowling in league, horseshoe, spending time outdoors, fishing, and hunting. He loved spending time at "K-Camp" where the finest meals were served and the greatest stories shared with family, friends and neighbors. Needless to say his family and friends enjoyed many delicious meals compliments of Choker's great cooking and baking skills. Lighting up the neighborhood with outdoor lights/displays for the holidays was a must do task, working hours with his light gun getting everything working. He also enjoyed playing cards, and listening to music - all of which brought joy to his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Faye (Kerkela) Mattila; three children, Scott (Julia) Mattila, Dawn (Ken) Seppanen, and Amy Mattila-Zwicky; his brother, Robert Mattila; sister-in-law, Kathy Kerkela; six grandchildren, Jesse (Kayla) Durant, James (Hailey) Mattila, Jeanna Mattila, Jade, Alex, and Elias Zwicky; great-granddaughter, Zoey Durant; and a great-grandson, Wade Allen, expected in February, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by his daughter, Jodi Lynn, Ernest and Sylvia Kerkela, brother-in-law and best friend, Ernie Kerkela, Alice Korpi, Irvin Korpi, LaVerne (Jim) Noasconi, Gladys (Jack) Dawson, Cliff Dawson and Chris Mattila.

Charles' family would like to extend a heartfelt "Thank You" to the staff at Eastwood Nursing Home, where he resided since February 2022, for their loving care and friendship during his stay there.

Choker's family will greet relatives and friends from 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Alex Ross officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the United States Navy. A luncheon will follow in the church hall.

Choker's obituary may also be viewed at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com, where relatives and friends may share messages and memories.

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