Harding, Donald Earl age 79, a resident of Golden Valley for over 50 years, passed away on May 13, 2018. Don was born in Wadena, Minnesota on the winter solstice, December 21, 1938, along with his twin brother Duane, to parents Ted and Olga (Kiviaho) Harding. Don spent his early years on a farm in Bluffton, Minnesota until 1946 when his family moved to North Minneapolis. He attended North High School where he graduated in 1956. While at North High, he was a terrific athlete. He excelled in football, hockey, and baseball. Following high school, Don joined the Army Reserve, attended Macalester College, and the University of Minnesota. In 1960, he married North High alum Janice Jopp, and they had four children. Don was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He was a natural salesman. He spent his career selling print for Moore Business Forms for 36 years. Don was also a dedicated coach for youth hockey and baseball in Golden Valley for 25 years. He enjoyed landscaping, lawn maintenance, attending flea markets, talking about politics, sharing about his Finnish heritage, and frequenting the family cabin on Rush Lake. He valued his family above all else, and his love for them permeated everything that he did. He demonstrated this by always being willing to lend a helping hand and offer a dose of well-intentioned advice. He easily could strike up a conversation with anyone wherever he went. He had a quick wit, and a wonderful chuckle. His family will miss him greatly. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Janice, their four sons; Donald Jr. (Cathy), Tom (Mary), Shawn (Michelle), Ted (Jenny), 12 grandchildren; Ryan, Elizabeth, Rachel, Zachary, Heather, Abigail, James, William, John, Elliott, Henry, Paige, and one great grandchild; Evelyn. He is preceded in death by his father Ted, mother Olga, and brother Duane. A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at Calvary Lutheran Church 7520 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, Minnesota. Visitation will be at 3:00 PM, service at 4:00 PM, and a meal will follow. Memorials preferred to donor's choice.

Published on May 21, 2018