RAPID CITY- Janice M. "Jan" Mattson, 77, passed away after battling cancer 34 years ago and beating it. Unfortunately it returned swiftly, which she battled again, but lost. Her last days were spent with her family at the Rapid City Regional Hospital Auxiliary Hospice House.

Jan was born January 27, at Platte, SD on her parent's farm on the kitchen table, as she came early. She spoke of that often. She was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Inez (Buchtel) Erickson. Jan attended grades one through eight in a one room school, which still stands today in its original form. She graduated from Platte High School.

She married Donald "Don" Mattson February 14, 1958 in Mitchell, SD. They moved to Rapid City in April 1958. Her son Craig was born in 1959. She and Don moved eight times in seven years as Don worked for Safeway grocery stores. They returned to Rapid City in 1964. Jan was a homemaker until Craig was married. She was a receptionist for Carlson and Padgett Real Estate. She then worked for Lowell Holmgren, establishing the multiple listing publication for Rapid City realtors. She then worked at American State Bank in the bookkeeping department when it was first established. Jan retired in 1983. She came out of retirement to help Don in his purchase of Black Hills Tent & Awning in 1990. She fully retired in 2004.

One of her most important things in life were her grandchildren. She and Don enjoyed spending 12 years of winters in Arizona.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Jan is survived by her husband of 59 years, Don; son, Craig (Kris) Mattson; three grandchildren: Erin (Doug) Mills, Rapid City; Davy Mattson, Dallas, TX; and Alex Mattson, Rapid City; two brothers: Jerry (Becky) Erickson, Platte; Dennis (Sherry) Erickson, Rapid City; three great grandchildren: Halayna, Annie, and Triston.

She spent many years traveling and supporting her husband, Don, in all of his many offices and many trips supporting Shriners International Hospitals for children.

Jan was always there for all of the family holidays. Her grandchildren were very special to her. She was always preparing everyone's favorites.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.

Services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 6, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home with Fr. Hal Weidman officiating.

Burial will be at Pine Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

A memorial has been established for the Naja Shriners Travel Fund for children.