Donald Joseph Mantor

Donald Joseph Mantor

Cedar Rapids

Donald Joseph Mantor, 78, of Cedar Rapids, died on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, at home after a valiant fight with COPD and cancer. A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced when arranged. Stewart Baxter Funeral and Memorial Services of Cedar Rapids are assisting the family.

Don was born on D Day, June 6, 1944, in Cedar Rapids, to Willard and Marcella (Hickey) Mantor. He attended St. Patrick’s Parochial School from kindergarten thru 12th grade graduating in 1962.

Don served in the U.S. Army during the time of the Vietnam War where he did a tour of duty. After completing his service, he lived and worked in Germany from 1972-76 as a civilian.

Upon returning to Iowa he tried his hand at various occupations before finding his niche in advertising sales. His voice was an asset in doing that for 30-years plus.

Don wanted to be remembered as a fairly good poker player who told some really great jokes. If he could elicit a laugh from someone after telling a joke it made his day. He enjoyed his weekly games of poker with a good group of guys, fishing, especially when he caught something, and following sports, in particular the Hawkeyes where he served as an 'armchair' coach. He was a huge rock 'n roll fan, in particular from the 50s, 60 s and 70s. Going to any and all concerts that he could was at the top of his list. He especially loved Elvis. He never realized his dream to visit Graceland but he was lucky enough to attend one of Elvis' concerts as well as see Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin perform.

Most of all, Don was happiest when he could spend time with his family and friends. His motto was to never turn down an invitation to anything. He rarely had a bad word to say about anyone - excluding politicians - and he never held a grudge. He will be missed immensely by those who knew and loved him.

Don is survived by his longtime companion and partner, Janet Scriven; his daughter, Christine (John) Slaton; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Jared) Taylor and CJ Slaton; his brother, William Mantor; sister, Mary Buelow; and brother-in-law, Richard Jones. Also surviving are Janet’s daughters, Jessica Green and Molly Scriven; her granddaughters, Megan and Kendra Hamilton, Melody Green and Dorothy Smalley; great-granddaughter, Rosie Young; Don's nieces, Lynn Mantor, Amy Jones and Lisa Marie Mantor; and nephews, Jim Mantor, Chris Jones and Nick Buelow.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Richard Mantor; sister, Linda Jones; brother-in-law, Phillip Buelow; and all of his closest friends.

Please share your support and memories with Don's family on his tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.