Dennis Dale "Dan" Mattson

Dennis 'Dan' Dale Mattson, 78, of Aberdeen, South Dakota, passed away at home on March 3, 2026. He has now joined his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in heaven.

Dan was born on April 22, 1947, and was raised by his parents, Reuben and Della (Gustafson) Mattson. He graduated from Webster High School and later continued his education at Lake Area Vo-Tech in Watertown. Dan also proudly served his country in the National Guard.

Dan was known as a hardworking, friendly man who never hesitated to lend a hand. He spent many years working for UPS and was also the proud owner of D & L Sales, where he enjoyed working with people and cars alike. Dan was detail-oriented and organized, a trait that carried through both his work and daily life.

On January 26, 1969, Dan married the love of his life, Marilyn Jean Sandve, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Webster, South Dakota. Together they began their life on the family farm. A few years later, they moved to Aberdeen, which became their permanent home. Their life together was filled with family, laughter, and many cherished memories. After retirement, he and Marilyn enjoyed traveling more often to be with the grandkids.

Dan had a passion for adventure and the open road. One of his favorite traditions was traveling to the Black Hills each year with family and friends to go snowmobiling. A loyal Ski-Doo fan, he loved leading the way on the trails. When the snow melted, Dan could often be found enjoying another passion-cars. A proud Ford man, he especially liked Mustangs.

His faith and love for the Lord were the very foundation of his life, guiding the way he treated and cared for others. Dan will be remembered for his kindness and generosity through his love for serving others. He was a strong leader and faithful member of the Aberdeen Alliance Church.

Dan is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Marilyn; his daughters, Amy Macke and April (Jason) Zimmerman; and his grandchildren: Brittany (Jon) Halloran and their children, Cecelia and Walker; Brooke Lindstrom and her son, Declan; Ayce Hoese; and Ashton, Brayden, and Cole Zimmerman.

He is also survived and dearly loved by the extended Sandve family, his mother-in-law Esther Sandve, sister-in-laws Eunice (Bob) Knight, Carole Levercom, June (Steve) Baker, brother-in-law David (Mary) Sandve, and many nieces and nephews.

Later in life, Dan also cherished the connection he formed with his biological family, the Potter/Cavanaughs.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother Reuben and Della Mattson. Also his biological mother, Wilma Miller, his father in law, Rueben Sandve and brother in law Wayne Levercom.

Dan will be remembered for his warm heart, his willingness to help anyone, and his love of family time. His life was a reminder that the greatest legacy a person can leave is the kindness they show others and the memories they create with the people they love.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

A funeral service will take place on March 14 at 11:00 a.m. at Aberdeen Alliance Church, with a luncheon to follow. Burial will take place at New Sweden Cemetery in Holmquist.