David W. "Dick" Mantlo
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David W. "Dick" Mantlo was born November 17, 1947 to R.T. Mantlo and Elizabeth Booth in Grand Junction, CO. He graduated from Grand Junction High in 1966 then attended Mesa Junior College. He married Claudia Dodge on December 26, 1967. Dick attended Kansas State University where he played baseball, earning a spot on the All-Big Eight team. He graduated from K-State in 1970. Dick began his teaching career at Fruita Elementary in 1973. He earned his Master's Degree in 1979 from Colorado State University. After returning to Grand Junction, Dick settled at Palisade High School as a History teacher and Baseball Coach; he was selected as the Coach of the Year in 1985. In 1990 he went to Grand Junction High School, where he coached baseball, golf, and softball. He won over 300 games including 16 league titles, went to the final eight 14 times earning 2 semifinals and 1 state finals appearance. Dick was a teacher and a coach for 34 years in MCVSD 51. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
He is survived by his wife, Claudia L. (Dodge) Mantlo, his son Mickey (Leslie) Mantlo, his daughters Melinda (Karen) Mantlo, and Michelle (Scot) Spiess. His beloved grandchildren Kaylynn (Tre) and Avery Cox, Morgen Mantlo, Mykelti (Peter) Wall, Meg, and Luke Mantlo, Ty, Ally, and Rily Spiess and his great-granddaughter Lucy.
A Celebration of his life will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2881 Orchard Ave., Grand Junction, CO 81501 on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 10:00am. Interment will follow in Grand Junction Memorial Gardens.