Lawrence "Larry" J. Mattie

Lawrence “Larry” Mattie, age 91, of Sun Prairie, passed away peacefully at home on November 15, 2025, surrounded by the family who loved him so dearly. He was born on June 23, 1934, in Madison, Wisconsin, son of the late Dewey and Nellie Mattie.

Larry honorably served his country as a member of the U.S. Army during the Korean War, carrying the quiet pride of his service throughout his life. He was rarely seen without his veteran’s cap, a simple gesture that spoke volumes about how much his service meant to him.

Larry spent most of his career serving the City of Madison, ultimately working with the Madison Water Utility. Known for his reliability, steady skill, and generous willingness to lend a hand, he was truly a jack-of-all-trades. Whether it was a home project, a tricky repair, or a neighbor who needed help, Larry was the person people turned to—dependable, capable, and always ready to step in.

After retirement, Larry and his wife enjoyed more than 30 wonderful years in Florida, savoring warm weather, new friendships, and a slower pace of life. When his dementia progressed, they returned to Madison to be near their daughters, who lovingly helped tend to and care for his daily needs, with their son offering steady love and support from out of state.

Our dad was a man who thrived on activity, camaraderie, and a bit of friendly competition. He played in numerous sports leagues over the years—horseshoes, fast-pitch softball, and bowling—some of them alongside his son Jeff. He also loved euchre and proudly passed that tradition down to his children. His competitive streak was well-known in the family, and our mom was often hesitant to partner with my dad when the cards came out.

As a father, Larry met every responsibility with deep love, patience, and dedication. Because he and his wife worked opposite shifts when their children were young, many evenings were spent at his baseball games, with the kids playing in the stands under the watchful eyes of friends. Some of their fondest memories include trips to the outdoor movie theater, where Larry transformed the family station wagon into a cozy nest when the children grew sleepy.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Marie (Zini) Mattie. The two met in Madison while Larry was on leave and were engaged within ten days, beginning a partnership built on deep affection, humor, and unwavering devotion. They married on December 19, 1953, and were just one month shy of celebrating 72 years of marriage—a testament to their enduring bond. Over the decades, Larry and Marie shared a lifetime of love and adventure, finding joy in every trip they took together. Their travels and cruises became some of their most treasured memories.

Larry is also survived by his four children—Jeffrey (Catherine) Mattie of Goodyear, AZ; Charmaine (Dennis) Harbort of Madison, WI; Kim Winburn of Sun Prairie, WI; and Lisa Lauth of Sun Prairie, WI—whose lives were forever shaped by his steady love. He leaves behind nine grandchildren—Eric, Derek, Brian, Jason, Aaron, Ryan, Madalyn, Riley, and Alec—and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Sharon (Kerry) Byers and Harriet Schmidt; his brother Richard (Dorothy) Mattie; and his sister-in-law Judy Mattie. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother Raymond Mattie.

Larry was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud veteran, and a steady, dependable presence for everyone who knew him. His warmth, humor, and helping spirit will be deeply missed, but the memories he created will continue to guide and comfort his family for generations to come.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Agrace Hospice and the Madison Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for their exceptional support, care, and guidance during Larry’s final month.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Agrace Hospice or the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Dane County (ADRC), 2865 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, WI 53704.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3325 E. Washington Ave.

Madison (608) 249-6666

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