Donald Harding

Donald Harding, 88, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Pine Crest Village in Sturgeon Bay.

He was born May 21, 1936 in Auburn, NY, the son of Sherman Raisbeck Harding and Julia (Chanko) Harding. Don graduated from Blodgett Vocational High School in Syracuse with the class of 1955. He enrolled in art classes at Syracuse University in New York, but he always loved history.

Don enlisted to serve his country with the United States Naval Reserves after high school and was honorably discharged on December 5, 1955. The next day, on December 6, he entered into service with the United States Coast Guard.

While stationed in Door County, WI, Don met Joan Ruth Austad through a mutual friend. They were united in marriage on November 16, 1957 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay (Joan's home parish).

Don was transferred from active duty to reserve status on December 4, 1959. He was awarded a Good Conduct Medal for his active service. Don remained with the Coast Guard Reserves until July 12, 1961.

He worked for various places after serving. Don and Joan returned home to Sturgeon Bay in winter of 1963. He worked in purchasing for Peterson Builders, Inc. (PBI) in Sturgeon Bay for a couple of years before going to work for the Green Bay Post Office. Don took a position with the Sturgeon Bay Post Office and remained there for 24 years until his "retirement." He volunteered with the Door County Library for over 20 years, helping in the History section and throughout the library.

Together, Don and Joan attended St. Joseph Parish in Sturgeon Bay. They enjoyed traveling all over, including overseas to England (twice) where they visited London and West Minster Abbey. Don's love for history had them visiting Civil War battle sites and (Don) participating in Civil War reenactments near Eagle, WI and Heritage Hill State Park in De Pere for eight years.

Don and Joan were blessed with over 64 years of marriage. She preceded Don in death on March 28, 2022.

Don will be missed by his sons, Jeffrey (Margaret) Harding, Michael Harding, both of Sturgeon Bay, and Edward (Lori) Harding of Wallace, MI; grandchildren, Eric (Kelly) Harding and Callyn (Mitch) Graf, Ryan (Maria) Harding, Kendra Harding, and Liam Ostrand, Tyler (Diana) Vandertie, and Mackenzie and Zachary Harding; great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Samuel Harding, Calvin and Ari Mae Vandertie; sister, Carol (Ronald) Graff of Canfield, OH; siblings-in-law, Linda (Larry) Stuth of Sturgeon Bay, Debbie (Jeff) Gorham of Port Charlotte, FL, Bill (Laurie) Guth of Waukesha; other relatives; and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughter-in-law, Jill Harding; sister, Nancy Esterly; siblings-in-law, Peggy Kasten, Jane (Greg) Lambiotte, Edward (Donna) Austad, and Cheryl "Cheri" (Bernard Jr. "Skip") DeGroot; special niece, Kim Austad; and other relatives.

A funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025 at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay with Dcn. Mark Bortle officiating. Military honors will be provided by the United States Coast Guard. Don will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum in the Town of Sevastopol, beside his wife, Joan.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service.

"Our family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the staffs of Pine Crest Village and Unity Hospice for the wonderful, compassionate care you gave to our father."

Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Don may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.HuehnsFuneralHome.com.

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