Kay Irene Mattson

Kay Irene (Jenkins) Mattson, 73, passed away peacefully at her home in North Branch, Minnesota, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on August 2, 1952, in Moose Lake, Minnesota, Kay was the daughter of Raymond and Irene (Nyquist) Jenkins. She was raised on her family's farm in North Branch, where she developed the strong work ethic that would define her throughout life. The farm also introduced her to her great love of flowers which stayed with her throughout her life.

Kay embraced every opportunity during her school years while she attended North Branch High School and graduated with the class of 1970. She participated in 4-H where she proudly raised and showed Shorthorn cattle at the Chisago County Fair. She was also a part of the future Homemakers of America, the Girls Athletic Association, and the gymnastics demonstration team before the passage of Title IX. She represented Chisago County as Dairy Princess, attended Girls State, was crowned Homecoming Queen, cheered on the Vikings as a cheerleader, played drums in the school band, sang soprano in the choir, and was a member of the National Honor Society. Her love of athletics continued into adulthood as she played recreational and slow-pitch softball well into her 40s. Whether on the field, on the stage or in the classroom, she approached life with enthusiasm, determination and a smile that drew people in.

Even as a teenager, Kay's warmth and outgoing personality stood out. While working as a gas station attendant during high school in the late 1960’s her friendly smile, conversation, cheerfulness and the novelty of a girl pumping gas, checking oil, and washing windshields brought back customers. Her genuine smile and friendly conversation earned loyal customers and reflected the kindness she carried throughout her life.

After graduation, Kay attended Anoka-Ramsey Community College, where she served as a student senator, was a cheerleader, and was a Homecoming candidate. She later attended the University of Minnesota as a pre-nursing student before finding her calling at the Medical Institute of Minnesota, where she completed the Medical Assistant program, graduating in the top five percent of her class.

Kay began her career in healthcare at Cambridge Clinic before joining Rush City Clinic, where she worked alongside Dr. Nelson and Dr. Tolan. In March 1989, a newspaper advertisement led her to a receptionist/bookeeping position with the City of Lindström. She was soon promoted to Deputy Clerk and went on to serve in several roles before being named Finance Director in 2006. What began as a new opportunity became a remarkable 37-year career in public service, retiring on July 13, 2026. In addition, for the last 15 years she has also worked part time as a financial consultant for Rush City, Minnesota retiring July 1, 2026.

Kay had a remarkable gift for organization and genuinely loved spreadsheets. Whether at work or at home, there always seemed to be one in progress. Her attention to detail, integrity, and dedication earned the respect of her coworkers and made her a trusted leader within the City of Lindström.

Kay and Warren Mattson first dated in high school before life took them in different directions. They later found their way back to one another and were married on April 12, 1975. They raised two children, Tanya and Brent, and built a home centered on love and hard work, and this past April celebrated more than 51 years of marriage.

A devoted Minnesota Vikings fan, Kay looked forward to every football season. She loved watching games at the local tavern, where her enthusiasm was impossible to miss. Game days were filled with excitement as she enthusiastically rooted for the Vikings, yelled at the television when a call didn't go their way, and in the heat of the moment would excitedly give whoever was sitting next to her a playful smack on the arm when something big happened. Watching the Vikings with Kay was an experience her family will always remember with a smile. Her love of sports extended beyond football. Kay rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her children and later her grandchildren, proudly attending games whenever she could and celebrating every accomplishment, big or small.

Above all else, Kay's greatest joy was her family. She was the person everyone could count on—the family's rock. If someone needed help, Kay was there without hesitation. She generously gave her time, her encouragement, her wisdom, and her heart, always putting the needs of others before her own.

Kay will be remembered for her warm smile, unwavering support, the genuine kindness she showed to everyone she met, not to mention her beautiful love of flowers. She leaves behind a legacy of hard work, compassion, and unconditional love that will continue to live on through her family, friends, coworkers, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She is lovingly survived by her husband, Warren Mattson of North Branch; her children, Tanya (Rob) Olson of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, and Brent Mattson of Dayton, Minnesota; her grandchildren, Caitlyn (Jake) Rademacher, Connor (Hannah) Olson, Brayden Olson, Tanner Olson, Abbott Mattson and Brekkyn Lammert; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Lanie, Levi, Emmett, Ellie, Finnley, and Gracie Kay. She is also survived by her sisters, Rita Maguire and Patricia (Joel) Anderson; her sisters-in-law, Verna (Jack) Mutchler and Vicki Pugsley; and many beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Irene Jenkins, and her brother, Larry Jenkins.

Reverend Marlene Elmstrom will officiate funeral services at 11:00 AM; Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Branch. Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 PM; Wednesday, July 29 at the church and also one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral arrangements for Kay Mattson are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel. 

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