Arlene Evelyn Mattila

Arlene Evelyn Mattila, age 75, of Sebeka, MN, passed away in her sleep on Friday, October 4, 2013 on the family farm surrounded by her loving family. Arlene was born to Fred and Edla (Thurn) Graf in Sioux Falls, SD on June 1, 1938. She graduated from Minneapolis North High School in 1956. She graduated from Abbott Northwestern Nursing School. On December 10, 1960, she married David Harry Mattila. They raised 4 children. Arlene worked as a registered nurse at Abbott Northwestern in Minneapolis and St. Joseph’s in Park Rapids and New York Mills. Arlene started Pink Pony Ceramics on the family farm in 1972. She moved the business into Sebeka in 1974. She “retired” from being business owner in 1997. Arlene and Dave hobby farmed on the Mattila family homestead in Red Eye Township, including leasing 90 head of horses out each summer to riding stables. Arlene was a Nationally Certified Ceramic Teacher and Judge. Arlene was active in Friends and Me, Red Hats, Home makers, UMW, 4H, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Extension Homemakers, Ceramic Association of Minnesota, International Ceramic Association, Sebeka Civic & Commerce, Moonlight Trail Riders Saddle Club, United Methodist Church, Centennial Committee, and Sebeka Boosters. She enjoyed spending time with her children, and grandchildren, playing cards, traveling, ceramics, scrap booking, stamping, and crafts of all kinds. She had a soft spot in her heart for all animals, especially her boxers. Arlene is survived by son Fred Mattila (Natalie) of Moundsview, MN; daughter Deborah (Scott) Mann of Sebeka, MN; son John Mattila (Michele) of Stacy, MN; daughter Julie (Walter Lee) Vry of Sebeka, MN, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Arlene was preceded in death by her father Fred Graf, mother Edla (Thurn) Graf, and husband David Mattila. Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM on Thursday, October 10, 2013 at the Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka and one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 11, 2013 at United Methodist Church in Sebeka with Pastor Steve Koehne officiating. Honorary Pallbearers are all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Interment will be at the Mantyla Cemetery in Red Eye Township.