Robert L. Mattern, 79, of Ft. Collins, Colo., a former resident of Palatine, died Friday, June 16, in Ft. Collins. Born in Chicago, Mr. Mattern graduated from Steinmetz High School in 1932 and then studied business at Wright Junior College in Chicago. From 1942 to 1945, Mr. Mattern served as a cadet in training in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. Following his service, Mr. Mattern moved to Palatine, where he raised his family. He worked as a credit manager for Chicago Mill and Lumber Co. and Maremont Corp., a manufacturer of car parts in Chicago. Before Mr. Mattern retired in the mid-1980s, he served as a materials resource planner at International Products Manufacturing in Elk Grove Village. Mr. Mattern was an active member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, where he taught Sunday school and served as treasurer during the 1960s and 1970s. “He was a great big bear of a man,” remembered Marion Berg, a friend of more than 25 years. “He had a large frame, a large voice and a large heart.” In 1987, Mr. Mattern retired to Ft. Collins. “He loved the area,” she added. Mr. Mattern is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dotty; sons Tom and Jim; a daughter, Mary Paz; and two grandsons. A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Randhill Park Cemetery, 1700 W. Rand Rd., Arlington Heights.
