John Stephen Matteson

John was born on April 29, 1927 in Olivia, Minnesota. He spent most of his early years in Hopkins, Minnesota. He served in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1946. Upon discharge from the Navy, he attended the University of Florida, St Thomas College and St Cloud State College, where he earned his teaching degree.

He taught three years in Montana and upon returning to Minnesota met his future wife Barbara. They were married in 1958 and left for Tucson where John had a contract to teach Physics at Catalina High School. He spent 25 years at Catalina teaching Physics and Physical Science.

He loved the desert and the mountains and hiking was his passion. Whether it was bushwhacking with his son down treacherous Tenya Canyon, leading his daughter and niece up the summit of Half Dome, traversing the Northern Arizona desert out to The Wave with his wife and friends, or summiting the remote Henry Mountain peaks in Utah solo, he was always on the move. And he was happiest when he could share his love for hiking the great outdoors with friends and family. He relished his role as designated hike planner and leader for his large group of Tucson friends.

A selfless and committed husband, father, grandfather, and friend, John was cherished by all. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Barbara, Son Michael Matteson (Mikey Fat Angelo), Daughter Mary Matteson Bryan (Punkin Bug), Grandsons John Matteson, Michael Matteson, and Eric Bryan, granddaughter, Karen Bryan and great grand daughter, Astraea Matteson. He is pre deceased by his son, Joseph Matteson (Rootin Tootin Cowboy Joe).

A celebration of John’s life will be held on February 28 at 1 pm at the Tucson Women’s Club, 6245 East Bellevue Street. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Friends of Sabino Canyon, P.O. Box 31265, Tucson, Arizona 85751 or the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, P.O. Box 26727, Tucson, AZ 85726.