Donald J. Sarder

Donald J. Sarder, age 88, of Iron River, MI, passed away on Sunday, April 9, 2023, at Aspirus Iron River Hospital. He was born at home on April 14, 1934, in the Riverside neighborhood of Iron River, MI, the son of the late John and Mary (Perpich) Sarder. Donald attended Stambaugh Schools and later graduated in the first graduating class of West Iron County Schools in 1969. He was a proud US Army veteran, serving at Selfridge Air Force Base in Michigan. Donald married Norma “Mona” Benson on December 3, 1955, at the Swedish Mission Covenant Church. The couple celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in 2016. Mona preceded him in death on August 16, 2017. He was also preceded in death by a brother, John; and seven sisters, Katy, Ann, Antonia, Frances, Pauline, Helen, and Mary. He was employed as a heavy equipment operator for many years. Donald was a member of Grace Covenant Church and the Operating Engineers #324. He loved wood carving and making knives. Donald was the co-owner of Kro Knives with his friend, Ray Koivunen. He also enjoyed hunting, trapping, canoeing, snowshoeing, riding in his side by side, picking berries, and making homemade chocolate fudge every Christmas. Donald is survived by his sons, Steven Sarder of Lansing, MI and Mark (Kerry) Sarder of Waukesha, WI; daughter, Kris (David) Darrow of Bessemer, MI; brother, Edward (Pauline) Sarder of Iron Mountain, MI; sister, Kathryn “Dolly” Splinter of Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren, Maya and Macy Sarder of Milwaukee, WI, Aaron Darrow of Vassar, MI, and Ella Darrow of Bessemer, MI; extended family and friends. Visitation will be held on, April 15, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Grace Covenant Church. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Jack Hudson to officiate. Interment will be in Bates Township Cemetery in the Spring. The West Side Veterans will accord Military Rites at the graveside. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the U.P. Trappers Association, N125 Co. Rd. 577, Vulcan, MI 49892, ATTN: Don Sarder Memorial Donation. For further information, you may call (906) 221- 6935. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald J. Sarder, please visit our flower store.