Landon Lavelle Mentink

Aviation Ordinanceman Second Class Landon Lavelle Mentink, a proud Navy veteran, passed away on September 23, 2025 in Leadville, Colorado, at the age of 40. Born on June 17, 1985, in York, Nebraska, Landon was the beloved son of Reg and Kim Mentink and younger brother to Lacey Dahl.

After graduating from High school, Landon joined the VAQ-138 Yellow Jackets Attack Squadron based at Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island Washington, and proudly served his country during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Landon engaged in three tours in the persian Gulf aboard aircraft carriers, USS Carl Vinson and USS John C. Stennis. He lived a life defined by service, loyalty, and love. From the moment Landon put on the Navy uniform, he served with unwavering dedication. His duties were demanding and vital: inspecting and repairing mechanical and electrical weapons systems, loading munitions onto aircraft, and ensuring every piece of ordnance was ready for combat and training missions.

Recognized not only for his performance but also for his natural ability to lead, he earned the rare and distinguished honor of being “capped” by his Commanding Officer, advancing to a higher rank and bypassing the traditional promotion system. Beyond his military service accolades and achievements, what defined Landon most was his bond with his brothers in arms. The Navy was more than a career, it was a family. He formed friendships that went beyond service, bound by shared purpose, sacrifice, and love. He lived for his friends, and they knew they could always count on him. Landon was the life of the party, exuded an amazing, full of life personality and never missed a chance to make someone laugh. He was charismatic, magnetic, an anchor, a protector and the kind of person one would never forget.

Landon was a true craftsman, a perfectionist whose passion and knowledge seemed endless. A walking textbook on firearms, he spent countless hours at the range and in his workshop, designing, carving, repairing, and perfecting everything he touched. His eye for detail was unmatched, whether he was crafting custom grips, restoring antique firearms, or uncovering the hidden value in antiques and collectibles.

He loved fast cars, motorcycles, and never went without his Aviator sunglasses, but his greatest joy came from creating, losing himself in the art of tinkering and building. Intelligent and endlessly curious, Landon could study something and soon know everything about it. His workshop was more than a place; it was his sanctuary.

Landon’s memory will live on forever, in the hearts of his family and friends. He will be profoundly missed, but his spirit of love and loyalty will never be forgotten.

A memorial service with military honors will be held on October 17, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Leadville’s Evergreen Cemetery located at the intersection of McWethy Drive and James Street in Leadville, Colorado.