Norma "Mona" J. Sarder

Norma “Mona” Jeannine Sarder, age 82, of Iron River, MI, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at the Iron River Care Center, her home for the past three months. She was born September 4, 1934, the fourth of eight children to the late Norman and Betty Benson.   She attended Bates Township School and Iron River High School, graduating with the Class of 1953. She was a member of the concert and marching band throughout her school years. During and after high school, she was a telephone operator for Michigan Bell. Mona married Donald J. Sarder of Stambaugh Township, MI on December 3, 1955 at the Swedish Mission Covenant Church. The couple celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary last winter. She was a lifelong member of the Grace Covenant Church in Stambaugh, MI, where she took special interest in the nursery and caring for the children there. Her passion for all children was well known, and through her kindness, compassion and generosity of spirit, she touched the lives of everyone around her. She was a Tot Lot teacher, Story Hour leader and Day Care provider for the Community Schools. Additionally, she cared for many children in her home when their parents went to work. Mona is survived by her loving husband, Donald Sarder of Bates and their three children; Steven J. Sarder of Lansing, MI, Mark J. (Kerry) Sarder of Waukesha, WI, and Kris J. (David) of Cadillac, MI. She is also survived by four wonderful grandchildren; Maya and Macy Sarder of Waukesha, WI and Aaron and Ella Darrow of Cadillac, MI. Her surviving siblings include: sisters, Betty Jean Lindbeck of Bates Township, Carol (Keith) Erickson of Bates Township, Avie (Ron) Powell of Iron River and Anncille (Robert) Engel of Oconto Falls, WI; brother, Cornell (Pauline) Benson of Bates Township and sister-in-law, Ginny Benson of Iron River. Additionally, Mona was blessed with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and other extended family members who loved her. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Chester “Chet” Benson and Norman Benson. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 20, 2017 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River. An additional visitation will be held on Monday, August 21, 2017 from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. at the Grace Covenant Church. Funeral services will follow at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Jack Hudson to officiate. Interment will be in Bates Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in honor of Mona, to the Grace Covenant Memorial Fund. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Norma "Mona" J. Sarder, please visit our flower store.