Robert L. Mattingly

JANESVILLE - Robert Lawrence Mattingly, age 63, of Janesville, passed away peacefully in the presence of loved ones on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg, Wis. He was born in Tokyo, Japan on Sept. 27, 1957, to U.S. Air Force pilot, Edwin, and his wife, Mary Ann (Bober) Mattingly. Robert was raised in St. Louis, Mo., where he graduated from De Andries High School in 1977. He moved to Madison, Wis., as a young man and married Carolyn Terry in 1979, starting a family in Milwaukee, Wis. He later married Terry Kaste in 1994, in Oregon, Wis., then lived in Janesville, Wis. Robert enjoyed his careers in die casting and as an electrician with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Bob was a loving and beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was known for his thoughtfulness, kindness, generosity and lively sense of humor. A trait treasured by both family and friends was Bob’s optimism. In his life, he overcame fear and creatively approached life’s obstacles, putting a positive (and often humorous) spin on difficult situations that crossed his path. Anyone who knew him can still hear his warm and deep chuckle of a laugh. Bob’s meticulous attention to detail and his enthusiasm for creativity was evident in all he did, turning even mundane tasks into innovatory projects. To him, everything was a process worth making enjoyable and seeing through to completion, painting his world around him with an inventive and artistic flair. He enjoyed gardening, playing (winning) Yahtzee, and taking pen to paper, regularly writing letters and sending original artwork to loved ones to keep in touch and remind them they were always in his thoughts. However, Bob’s life passion was music. Harmonizing with his siblings as a child and strumming his beloved Ovation guitar throughout his adult years, through his music, Bob shared his zeal for life and love of good times with others. He and his guitar were the life of every party, and his music was his legacy and his gift. Robert is survived by his daughter, Christine (Mattingly) Lawver, her husband, Nathan Lawver and their two children, Liam and Isaac; as well as his daughter, Jennifer (Mattingly) Stapleton, her husband, Christopher Stapleton and their two children, Jude and Dean. He is also survived by his siblings, Elizabeth Lily Barry and life partner, John Carroll, Daniel (Mimi Cherney) Mattingly, Connie (Jim) Rielley, and Frank Mattingly, his nieces and nephews, Lisa Barry, Dave Barry, James Rielley, Matthew Rielley, Colleen (Rielley) Molina, and their spouses and children. He is further survived by his former spouse and mother of his children, Carolyn Terry. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Terry (Kaste) Mattingly; and his godson, John Philip (J.P.) Ries IV. The family is collecting funds for end of life costs and for donation to Tellurian, an addiction recovery facility that assisted Bob during his recoveries. The goal is to reach at least $400 to purchase a leaf on their Tree of Life. Tellurian’s website explains: “Tellurian’s ‘Tree of Life’ honors individuals whose life has been impacted through the work done here. With your tax-deductible donation of $400 or more, a beautiful metal leaf will be sculpted and engraved with your name, or the name of your loved one, and placed on The Tree of Life in their honor. At the entrance to Tellurian’s Main Campus, you’ll see a metal sculpture created by artist Glenn Donavon, titled “The Tree of Life”.” There will be a celebration of life gathering held on Saturday, June 11, 2022, rich with stories of fond memories and music. For event details, or for more information regarding donations, please contact the family at MattinglyFamilyFund@gmail.com. We humbly thank you. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com . Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420