Donald J. Gorder
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, Minnesota the son of George Lawrence Gorder and Bernice (Halvorson) Gorder.
He married Teresa Sue Kramer on May 22, 1986. She survives.
Donald proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He was also a caseworker for the State of Illinois in the Department of Human Services for several years before enjoying retirement.
Donald was an avid sports fan and could often be found catching a football, baseball, or hockey game on the tv or radio. He played softball and volleyball at the Knights of Columbus and coached the family softball teams. In earlier years, they were active members and volunteers at the Knights of Columbus, helping out at many K of C Barbeques.
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).
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 law Mary Drilling.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 12:00 Noon in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Inurnment in Greenmount Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 11:00 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.
I remember Don playing softball at KC in the 30 and over league and fixing breakfast at the Sunday morning breakfast service at KC. He was always kind and made me feel welcome into the group of friends. He will be missed but our memories of him will live on. Blessings and prayers to everyone. I’m very sorry for your loss.
I worked with Don at Human Services for many years. Supervising two older sailors (Don and Bob Soland) was certainly a new experience for me! My condolences to the Gorder family.
My sincerest condolences to Don’s family. I only worked with Don for a few years at human services. Don was kind and helpful to me when I was learning to become a caseworker. I’ll never forget the wonderful treats he would bring in to share with coworkers.
Don will be missed by all. Some of my favorite memories are when we all played softball and he coached us. The whole team was like family and he made us all feel special. They gave me the nickname Mikie. I’ll never forget how fun, kind, and caring Don was. My condolences to the Gorder family.