Kathlyn Mattson (Nelson) was born as the youngest of 5 children to Roy and Esther Mattson on October 6, 1944 in the town of Warroad MN. She grew up in Roseau, MN on her parents’ farm, attending schools in both Roseau and Warroad where her love for education and music developed. 

Kathlyn attended Augsburg College, graduating with a degree in English literature. She went on to attend the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, graduating with a master’s degree in British Literature. From there she taught at Golden Valley Lutheran College. 

In 1972, Kathlyn met David Nelson through a mutual friend, Linda Larson. David and Kathlyn married on May 4, 1974 (David’s birthday). David and Kathlyn moved to Pennsylvania, where David was a Lutheran minister, and Kathlyn became a technical editor. David’s 2 children, Tricia and Brad, became a big part of Kathlyn’s  life and she loved them dearly. 

In 1975 Kathlyn and David welcomed their first child together, Bjorn. Soon after Bjorn was born, they moved to St. Paul, MN to start new careers and be close to extended family. 

In 1982 David and Kathlyn welcomed their second child together, Erika on Kathlyn’s birthday. In 1986 the family moved to White Bear Lake, MN to be near David's parents, Rev. Robert and Clara Nelson where they stayed for the remainder of Kathlyn’s life. 

Kathlyn returned to graduate school with a passion for helping others, getting a second Master’s Degree in Psychology. She went on to receive her Doctorate from Capella University becoming Dr. Kathlyn Nelson, PhD, LP. She was very proud of her hard work, as was her whole family. 

Kathlyn held an independent practice in Uptown Minneapolis for close to 20 years, retiring the spring of 2020. 

Kathlyn enjoyed camping, canoeing, singing in the choir, playing piano, reading, needlepoint, and spending time with her 8 grandchildren. She was adored for hosting Nana days every Wednesday; baking, playing games, doing puzzles and playing in the backyard.  

Kathlyn fought a long, hard battle with non-hodgkins lymphoma with her family close by her side. She surrendered to the disease on 12/02/2021.

She was preceded in death by her Mother and Father, Esther and Roy Mattson and her older sister, Lois Mattson. Kathlyn is survived by her husband, David Nelson; two children, Bjorn (Jenelle) Nelson and Erika (Zaccurus) Fricke; 12 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; sisters, Violet Winter and June (Karson) Krueger and brother Marvin Mattson. 

For those unable to attend the service in person you may view the services via live-stream with the link below: 

https://youtu.be/uck2-j-3NEI