Donald E. Belder

Don is the loving husband for seventy years to Elsie (nee Hayden) Belder; beloved father to Sandra (Mark) Botterman, Donald Belder and Sherry (Ken) Drapeau; proud grandfather to Jessica (Ben) Sroka, Taytum (Pete) Bultema, Justin (Lyndsie) Drapeau, the late Dylan Drapeau, Mark (Noi) Botterman, Christopher (Audrey) Botterman, Jent Botterman, Britt Botterman and Darcey Drapeau; great-grandfather to Ethan, Khodi, Elyse, Haley, Caelin, Everett, Oliver, Effie, Evangeline, Gates, Micah; cherished brother to the late Dick (the late Barbara) Belder.

At age 17, and eager to serve his country during World War II, he left high school to join the United States Navy. He faithfully served on the USS Barrow stationed at Pearl Harbor in the Pacific Fleet serving as a radar operator. Upon returning home, he met the love his life, Elsie and they shared their life together in Thornton, where they raised their family. He enjoyed being the representative for the UAW Union. Don took great pride in planning and preparing outing and events for his coworkers and enjoyed bowling with his fellow coworkers and friends. He retired after over 40 years of service as a mechanic. After retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his wife, Elsie, traveling, woodworking, and golfing with friends. He was always a constant presence with his family. He did not miss an event that his grandchildren and great-grandchildren had.

Visitation will be Friday, May 19, 2023 from 9:30 am until the time of his funeral at 11:30 am at Kuiper Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens.