Donald J. Gorder, age 81, of the Illinois Veterans Home, died on Friday, April 10, 2026, in the Home surrounded by his family.
He was born on November 18, 1944. in Rushford, Minn., the son of George Lawrence Gorder and Bernice (Halvorson) Gorder.
He married Teresa Sue Kramer on May 22, 1986. She survives.
Donald worked for the State of Illinois in the Department of Human Services as a caseworker. He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.
Donald was an avid sports fan. He liked football, baseball and hockey He played softball and volleyball at the Knights of Columbus. In earlier years, they were very active members and volunteers at the Knights of Columbus.
In addition to his wife, Donald is also survived by seven children: Darren Gorder (Aliecia), Greg Gorder, Kristin Sherwood (Rich), Dustin Gorder (Katena), Timothy Gorder (Kimberly), Danielle Graham (James) and Tracey Harvey (Chris); siblings Bennett Gorder and Betty Johnson (Brian), and sister-in-law Linda Gorder. Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, David Gorder and a sister-in-alaw, Mary Drilling.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 12 noon in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Inurnment in Greenmount Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 11 a.m. until the time of the services at noon. Memorials may be made to the Illinois Veterans Home Activities Fund. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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