Joel Robert Mattila

He was born July 20, 1943, to the late Robert of Ferndale and Dorothy Mattila of Phillipsville, formerly of Ferndale, Michigan.

Joel attended Ferndale area schools in Lower Michigan, prior to moving to the Upper Peninsula in 1960.

Joel was united in Marriage to the late Carol Mehner on August 1, 1961. Together they had five children.

Joel was an avid fisherman and hunter along with his sons and grandchildren, whom he shared his passion and passed that love on to.

Joel and Carol spent their summers with their children and family, camping at Bete Gris beach, particularly on the Lagoon side. They shared a love for that beach that they’ve no doubt passed down to their children and grandchildren.

Joel spent many years as a mechanic for Tober’s Service as well as Erkilla Auto prior to becoming a Slasher Operator for various local logging businesses in the area. Including working alongside both of his sons in the industry for the latter part of his career.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Mattila; parents, Robert and Dorothy Mattila; sister, Gail Dube; daughter, Carmen Tober; and a grandson, Brian Tober.

Surviving are his two sons, Bill (Laura) Mattila of Calumet, Bruce (Jennifer) Mattila of Mohawk; daughters, Cindy White of Calumet and Jessica Mattila of Calumet; grandchildren, Carolyn Mattila, Gabriel Mattila, Eric Mattila, Lauren Mattila, Alex Mattila, Derek Salo, Lindsay Brouillette, Brock White, Amanda Tober, Samantha Tober, Shayne Fuller, Brandon Fuller and Tyler Fuller; brother, Mike Mattila and his wife, Yvonne, of Phillipsville; sisters, Susie Watterson and husband, Dennis, of Shelby Twp., Michigan, Donna Herston and husband, Steve, of Allenton, Michigan, Debbie Corkery and husband, Barry, of New Boston, Michigan; six very special great grandchildren; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

He will be sorely missed by all who loved him, especially his dear granddaughter Lindsay, who never missed an opportunity to spend time with him and was his most frequent visitor.

A private family memorial and celebration of his life will take place this summer.