Ryan Gene Mattison, born in Thief River Falls, MN February 18, 1986, to James and Teresa (Ness) Mattison. Ryan graduated from Lincoln Senior High School and Northland Community College in 2004, where he excelled in science and mathematics. He continued his education at the University of Minnesota Duluth and double majored in Bachelor of Sciences in Computer Science and Computational Mathematics. During Ryan’s early career he worked for Magenic in Golden Valley where he designed some of the first Android applications, including the interface with google maps to find ATM locations. He later went on to do contract work creating many behind-the-scenes programs that we take for granted today on our phones and computers.
Growing up, Ryan loved boating and wake boarding on the Red Lake River, going snowboarding with his friends and brothers at Buena Vista, and playing video games with his friends all night long and into the early morning. Ryan extended his passion for snowboarding later in life, tackling many lofty mountains and riding lots of fresh powder throughout the Rockies. He developed an intense fondness for electronic and jam band music, going to many music festivals, where he felt he could be his true self. He was often making up new silly dances and giving the dances even sillier names.
Ryan was a dedicated father. His son, Lipp Jon Mattison, became his whole world when he was born. Ryan would brag about Lipp any time someone would listen and looked forward to every chance he could be with him. Lipp shared Ryan’s enthusiasm for video games and they enjoyed playing together. Ryan also enjoyed taking Lipp to the pool where he taught him to swim. When they visited the family in Thief River Falls, Ryan and Lipp could be seen going on snowmobile or ATV rides together.
The last few years, Ryan struggled with schizoaffective and bipolar disorder and life became difficult for him. Despite his and his families’ best efforts, Ryan could never find peace with his mental illness. After years of suffering, Ryan lost his battle from his disease April 5th, 2024, in rural Plummer, MN.
Ryan is survived by his beloved son Lipp Mattison; his parents, James and Teresa Mattison; his brothers, Joshua (Angie), Michael (Kaley), and William (Jessica) Mattison; nieces & nephews, Brody, Elliot, Charlie, Liliana, Emilia, Wylder; grandma, Henrietta Ness; grandpa, Jerry Freitag; aunts & uncles, Greg (Karyn) Ness, Jon Ness, Jeff (Naomi) Ness, Rachel (Scott) Berger, Dale (Debbie) Mattison, Neil (Linda) Mattison, Gerry Mattison, Alan Mattison, Karl (Nancy) Mattison; and many cousins.
He is preceded in death by his grandpa, Gene Mattison; grandma, Janice Mattison Freitag and grandpa, William Ness. Ryan had a beagle named Harley that he adored that proceeded him in death. Even though his life ended tragically, he impacted many people in positive ways and his memory will live on through his family and countless friends. He will be missed, and not a day will go by the sorrow of his loss will not be felt. We all loved him very much.
A gathering time for family and friends will be held from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM with a 6:00 PM celebration of life service followed by a time to share stories. Father Craig Vasek will preside. Burial will be at St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery in Plummer, MN at a later date.
Memorial donations will be directed to causes which support mental illness.
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