Donald E Norden

AVILLA — Donald E. Norden, 86, of Avilla, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, at his home.  He was born on Feb. 3, 1939, to Herman and Mela (Sunderman) Norden, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  On Aug. 25, 1961, he married Glee Keesler at Trinity Lutheran Church in Auburn, Indiana.

Don was a loving husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa, who had a passion for his family as well as a love of construction and farming until he passed. His love of construction led him to start Norden Construction in the early 1980s, which is still run today by his son, Craig Norden and his grandson, Dalton Householder.

Don was member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Avilla since 1957, and served the church in many ways, including teaching, youth group leader, and elder.  Don was drafted into the United States Army in 1962, where he served as a Military Policeman at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland.  Don was also a member of American Legion Post 240 in Avilla, Indiana.

Surviving are his wife of 63 years; his three sons, Larry (Tonya) Norden, of Avilla, Craig Norden, of Garrett and Aaron (Kariann) Norden, of Auburn; daughter, Annette (Phil) Householder, of LaOtto; five grandchildren, Taylor (Josh) Ternet, Brooke (Clayton) Badskey, Dalton Householder, Brandi Ott, (Brad Keefer) and Jade Bollet; six great-grandchildren, Mela, Everett, Caroline and Ava Ternet and Clay and Bailey Badskey. Also surviving are a brother, Martin Norden; and sisters, Doris Hess, Bonnie (Ron) Buuck and Janet (Mike) Hackman.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Betty Heiman.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 111 W. Albion St., Avilla, with visitation one hour prior.  Pastor Patrick Kuhlman will officiate.  Visitation will also be from 3-7 p.m., on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, at Harper Funeral Homes, Avilla Chapel, 530 N. Main St., Avilla.

Burial with military honors will follow the funeral at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Avilla.

Contributions in Don’s memory may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Avilla.

To leave a condolence or sign the online guestbook, visit www.harperfuneralhomes.com.

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