Ib Ronald Mathiesen

We are sad to announce that Ronald Mathiesen passed away peacefully on the morning of May 12, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

Ron was born on August 23, 1940, in Odense, Denmark, to Axel and Edith Mathiesen. He immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of six, growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Azusa, California. Over the years, he lived briefly in Hawaii, Southern California, and eventually made more permanent homes in the Uintah Basin and Salt Lake City, UT, with his golden years spent in Mesquite, NV, Denver, CO, and finally Boise, ID.

A lifelong learner, Ron studied art at Mt. San Antonio College in California before being drafted to serve in Panama during the Vietnam War. After the war, he resumed his studies and went on to earn his master’s degree from the University of Utah in Psychology, and was a dissertation away from earning his doctorate. He dedicated his professional life to helping others as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the State of Utah for 27 years, retiring in 2000.

Outside of work, Ron was a man of many interests and talents. He found joy in painting, sculpting, writing, caring for and learning about wild animals--particularly birds of prey, surfing, playing tennis, photography, traveling, and spending time in nature. He also cherished the years he was able to share with his final love and wife, Beth. Their travels and companionship brought him deep happiness and fulfillment.

Ron was a free spirit—intelligent, adventurous, and reflective. His life journey was uniquely his own, marked by challenges, discovery, connection, and joy. He will be remembered for his independence, his creative spirit, and the influence he had on those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his seven children: Cindy Mathiesen, Jeffrey (Mindy) Mathiesen, Randall Mathiesen, Jennifer (Chris Yaws) Mathiesen, Jonathan Mathiesen, Stephanie (Brian) Husler, and Kurt (Mariko) Mathiesen; his twin sister Lone Stephens and sister Judy (Rick) Warner; 17 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Axel and Edith; his beloved wife, Beth; his brothers, Paul and Steve; his grandson Kyle; and two great-grandchildren Bennett and Bella.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 7 at 2:00 PM at the Salt Lake City Cemetery followed by a celebration of life at The Gala Art Gallery at 412 S. 700 W, Suite 120, Salt Lake City, Utah where all are welcome to share memories and honor Ron’s legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ron’s memory to The Peregrine Fund & World Center for Birds of Prey in his honor at https://peregrinefund.org/website-donate