May 1921 – 1993
Don Mattern was born May 25, 1921 and made a lifetime of being a rancher and always a cowboy, whether at the rodeo or at home. Don’s rodeo career began at an early age when he and the neighbor boys began riding the milk cows when their folks went to town. He served Garfield County as the county sheriff for 20 years while continuing to operate his ranch and traveling the rodeo circuit. He ranched both in Garfield and Holt counties and later retired to Ainsworth in 1989 when both he and his wife wanted to be near their family. Don won many awards for his rodeo activities, all of which he cherished. Don passed away in 1993 and is greatly missed by friends and family.