Kenneth Donald Mattila was born September 30th, 1969 in The Dalles, Oregon to Evert and Louella Mattila. Ken was the youngest of 5 children. Growing up Ken loved many things: hunting and fishing, hanging out at frog pond, and making memories with Darla and David. Ken shot his first elk with Chummer and Becky and cut his tag out wrong, cutting the tag for the day before. Ken collected marbles and had a can of orange spray paint. While trying to get the “marble” out of the orange spray paint, Ken started beating on the can with a wrench. The can exploded and Ken was orange from head to toe. When Ken was 9 years old, Chummer gave him a go cart. He didn’t have a dime to his name and began syphoning gas out of the neighbors vehicles so he could ride his go cart. Ken and his buddy Bobby Rightnour both got busted and put on probation. Ken up until the day he passed when telling someone about something would say, “You Know It?” That was a phrase he picked up from his Uncle Tuffy, who he looked up to growing up. When Ken turned 21, he met his wife, Kelly. Together they had 7 children: Sabrina, Kyla, Nathan, Rebecca, Dylan, Jessika, and Brooklyn. Ken worked at the Best Western for 14.5 years up until he started the water job where his clients would call him the “WaterBoy.” Ken enjoyed many hobbies with Kelly, his kids, and his grandkids: family events with Kelly, playing pool with Sabrina and Dan, having game nights with Kyla and Keith, hunting with Nathan and Marzena, going shooting with Rebecca and Kyle, all the stories he told to Dylan and Cora, Jessika venting to him, and taking Brooklyn Christmas Tree hunting.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Evert and Louella Mattila; stepfather, William (Hawkeye) McKernan; sister, Sue Bissell, and nephew, Sean Leon.
Ken is survived by his wife, Kelly; daughters, Sabrina (Dan), Kyla (Keith), Rebecca (Kyle), Jessika, and Brooklyn; sons, Nathan (Marzena), and Dylan (Cora); grandchildren, Kahrter, Myah, Alicja, Lane, Mila, Amarah, Cohle and one on the way; siblings, Donna and Jim Galbraith, Chummer Mattila, Becky Mattila, Debbie and Harry McManamon, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00pm on Wednesday, March 5th at the Butte Depot, 818 S. Arizona St., Butte, MT 59701. There will be a reception to follow.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Kenneth and his family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Kenneth.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
4:00pm
Wednesday March 5, 2025
Butte Depot
818 S. Arizona Street
Butte, MT 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
4:00pm
Wednesday March 5, 2025
Butte Depot
818 S. Arizona Street
Butte, MT 59701
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Tina Taylor says
Our family definitely gained an angel just way to soon. So many memories to look back on….all the way back to tormenting him when he used to babysit us when we were kids. The love he has for his kids was unconditionally untouchable. I remember always thinking that no matter what you could always feel the love in his whole family everytime you were in their presence. He will be missed so much every day by all the lives he touched. Rest easy Uncle Ken. You will always be a blessing to those who knew you.
Dominique Pitalo Gardner says
I knew Ken since the mid 80’s. He had a heart of gold & would do anything for anybody. Rip Ken.
Bobby Rightnour says
I have known Ken since Blaine elementary School in Centerville 2nd 3rd 4th 5th grade and then the rest of our lives, myself and Ken got put on probation when we were 9 years old for siphoning gas for our go-kart his mom and dad used to say you stay away from that Bobby Rightnour he’s bad influence on you and Ken turned out to be one of the best friends I’ve ever had in my whole life I will deeply miss you and all of our memories that we had together you got your wings brother now use them and watch over your family kids and grandkids I love you brother see you on the other side.
Kyla warner says
I am so heartbroken over this loss. I have known Ken as long as I can remember and just saw him and bs’d last week. Best guy ever and so many memories. Rip my man and prayers to all of the family.
Darla Moran says
I am Kenny’s cousin. He grew up just a few houses away from me. My younger sister and brother and I spent everyday with Kenny. He was like a brother to me. He harassed me and tormented me regularly. He always had a mischievous plan and a smile on his face. As we grew up I was blessed to be a part of his family as I cared for his children and Kelly and I became good friends. I saw the love that his family shared as they built a home and life together. He was so proud to have 7 children and spoke high praise of each one of them. The fun times as a family are all easy to find as they have posted regularly of their shared adventures. Kenny had such a quick wit and amazing memory. He always amazed me with what he knew and how quickly he learned what he wanted to know. He still tormented me as an adult with an impish smile and a quick joke or tease. There is nobody like him in my life now. I will miss him more than I can say. I am heartbroken. These past years we have always said I love you any time that we met each other by chance. I Love You to the Heavens Kenny ❤️
Dylan Mattila says
I love you dad ❤️
Sabrina Hogan says
You were absolutely one of a kind. I will love and miss you forever dad.
Kelly Phillips Mattila says
Met Kenny the first a couple years ago. He had a way about that made me laugh. His driving skills made me nervous but boy could he drive through a street covered in potholes and not miss one of them. It made me nervous but laughing at aevery pothole hit. My condolences to all the family and kids for their loss and may Kenny rest in peace.
Wendy Tippett says
So So Sorry ❤️! Tippett Family
Paula Sexton says
I am so sorry for your loss. I am a cousin to Ken. I first met him 1987 when we came out to Montana to see his dad and met the family. He would tease me about my Minnesota accent and how I said “mountain”. We have kept in contact all of these years. My parents loved when Ken called them or when the family came to Minnesota. May he rest easy and find peace in heaven.
Terri Kipp says
To the entire Mattila family I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved Ken. Did not know him well but we were neighbors down the street on B Street passed your house daily whether leaving or coming home. May you rest in peace.
Cherie Garlish says
Dear Kelly and family, I am so sorry for your loss. May all your memories of your loved one bring you comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Cherie Garlish
Jessika Mattila says
Dad I miss you so much you were so handsome and so kind hearted! I love you for infinity dad I miss you.
Angie Kennedy says
Kenny always had a mischievous grin and something to say or a joke to tell. He was so good at decorating all the kids birthday cakes. We spent many days hanging out with the Mattila and Kennedy families. You will not be forgotten.
Gail Ojala says
RIP Kenny. Had a lot of fun hanging out with you at Klappans years ago. You will be missed by many
Candy Dinius says
RIP Ken, and may God watch over your family.
Lynda DeWitt says
Sending our love to your family We pray that GOD surround you with his loving healing Grace in this time of loss. Ron, Lynda and family.
Sheila Dewitt says
We are so sorry about the loss of Kenny. Our prayers and hearts are with all of his family. Love, Binky, Sheila and Family
JJ Johnson says
I have so many fun memories of all the time spent with him and his family over the years. He was definitely was one of a kind and had the biggest heart. He’d give you the shirt off his back even if it was -30 outside. You could always count on him for a few good jokes that’d bring a smile to anyone’s face. Whether talking with a stranger or a friend he was one of the best bs’ers this side of the Mississippi. I’ll never forget all the camping trips where it wasn’t uncommon for the campground host to stop by and let us know our fire might be a touch too big. Definitely gonna miss you Unc. Watch over all of us. Love ya man. Rest in peace Uncle Kenny
Kyla Mattila says
Dad, you sure will be missed. I have many memories growing up. You are the reason I love wverything old as you loved to show me old cars, watch old movies, and blast the old music. We love you forever dad. Until we meet again! Kyla, Keith, Kahrter, Lane, and Cohle! ❤️
Debbie Mcmanamon says
Kenny was my youngest brother and the love we all shared as siblings with him will be forever! I will miss his smile and his silly jokes . But most of all I’ll miss chatting with him and we always said “ I love you” . Heaven gained an Angel and that Angel way my brother 😢. I have to say he definitely was a man who loved his family. Rest in Peace Kenny and keep an eye on us down here until we meet again. Love you so much !
Dawn Case says
I am so sorry for your families loss. Ken was my “Water Boy”. I will certainly miss seeing him.
Amy Crider says
I am saddened to hear of the loss of Kenny! Sending prayers to his beautiful children and his family and friends! Rest in Paradise, Kenny!
Lori Johnson says
I worked at Best Western for a short time w/ Ken. I always gave him the stupid requested by the guests to try to make him laugh or smile. He’d just shake his head. I recently started a job on the warehouse he worked in for the water company and we’ve chatted a couple times as we’d pass by. RIP Ken! May your wings protect your loved ones as you watch over them from above. Mattila family you are in my prayers!
Kristian and James Denny says
Kyla and family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.