Donald Mantor

Donald Joseph Mantor, 78, Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, December 17, 2022, at home, after a valiant fight with COPD and cancer. Memorial Mass: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 18, 2023, St. Patrick Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. Father Dennis Miller officiating. Visitation: 9:00 ' 10:00 a.m. prior to Mass. Inurnment: Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Military rites will be provided at the cemetery. Stewart Baxter Funeral and Memorial Services of Cedar Rapids is 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 Vietnam War. He did one tour of duty. After completing his service, he lived and worked in Germany from 1972-1976 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 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. He enjoyed fishing, especially when he caught something. Don loved sports, in particular, the Iowa Hawkeyes. He served as 'armchair' coach. He was a huge rock 'n' roll fan, from the 50's, 60' s and 70's. Going to any concerts that he could was at the top of his list. He especially loved Elvis. He never realized his dream to visit Graceland, but Don was lucky enough to attend one of Elvis' concerts. He was also grateful to see Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin performances. 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; brother, William Mantor; sister, Mary Buelow, and brother-in-law Richard Jones; Janet's daughters, Jessica Green and Molly Scriven; her granddaughters Megan and Kendra Hamilton, Melody Green, and Dorothy Smalley; great-granddaughter, Rosie Young; nieces, Lynn Mantor, Amy Jones, Lisa Marie Mantor; and nephews, Jim Mantor, Chris Jones, and Nick Buelow. Don is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard Mantor; sister, Linda Jones; brother-in-law, Phillip Buelow; and all of his closest friends.