Don L Mattonen

Don L. Mattonen passed away on April1, 2017 after a valiant battle with prostate cancer. He was a native son born March 22, 1936 in Salt Lake City to T. E. Mattonen and Marion Brohman. His younger sister, Marilyn, died at the young age of 36.

Don met the love of his life, Carol Magleby at South High School and they were married in 1954. They shared 62 blissful years of marriage. Carol and Don had two sons, Brian Mattonen of Salt Lake City and Brad Mattonen of San Diego.

Carol was a stay- at- home mom for the better part of their marriage and later worked and retired from Sears Service Center. Don worked his way up to Field Maintenance Branch Supervisor at the Air National Guard and retired in that capacity at age 58 leaving behind many friends. Not one to retire, Don next joined the Air Force Reserves for an additional 2 years, when he was asked to finally retire after too many years of service. He then joined the staff at Home Base, in the plumbing and heating departments until Home Base closed seven years later. His only regret was that he was not paid on a commission basis, for he was a master salesman.

Don then was hired by the Utah Transit Authority where he flourished as an electrical mechanic. He retired 14 years later at the age of 78 to care for Carol, who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away in 2015.

One of Don’s greatest joys was to save and plan a two week vacation every year for his family. They traveled across the United States collecting many souvenirs and memories.

Don devoted his spare time to Little League Baseball. For over 10 years he was a volunteer coach, mentor and advisor to numerous young boys who became his charge. His Little League teams won many games, trophies and championships throughout the years.

Don’s passion was hot rods. He loved to buy old cars, new cars and trucks and totally replace or rebuild their engines to finely tuned machines. For example, no one would suspect that his old rusted out truck has a Corvette engine under its hood. Don loved practical jokes, he loved to laugh and he loved to be with his family and friends.

When folks would marvel at some of his accomplishments, he would modestly say, “I’m just a mechanic.” Yes, he was a mechanic of planes, trains and automobiles.

Don is survived by his two sons, Brian & Brad, Brad’s wife Karen, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park on April 8th, 2017 at 11:00am.