Donald Jorde, 80, of Thief River Falls, MN died peacefully on Friday, April 15, 2016 at his residence surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with leukemia.

Funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at Abundant Life Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Michael Johnson officiating.  Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls.  Visitation will also be held from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM on Wednesday at Abundant Life Lutheran Church.

Donald Marvin Jorde was born on May 22, 1935 at his grandparent's farm near Thief River Falls, MN the son of Karl and Emma "Amy" (Olson) Jorde.  He was baptized on June 20, 1935 and confirmed on May 28, 1950 at Trinity Lutheran Church.  Don attended the Loftness Country School in Excel Township through the 5 th grade and spent the remaining school years in Thief River Falls, graduating with the class of 1953.

In 1958, Don entered into service with the United States Army and was stationed in Oklahoma.  He was Honorably Discharged in 1960.

On October 13, 1961, Donald was united in marriage to Grace T. Torgerson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN.  The couple made their home near Thief River Falls and to this union 5 children were born, Murray, Christopher, Kari, Nancy and Wade.

Donald worked for the Minnesota Department of Transportation for 38 years in the Construction Office.  He retired in 1990 at 55 years old.  After he retired Don worked a short time for Floan and Sanders Consulting.

He enjoyed sports, hunting, fishing, woodworking, hobby farming, going to the hunting cabin, bowling, curling and attending all grandkids events.  Don especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

Don was a member of Abundant Life Lutheran Church and enjoyed the church friends and activities.  He was also a member of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association.

Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Grace Jorde; 5 children, Murray (Sandy) Jorde and their children, Briana & Tessa, Chris (Jaci) Jorde and their children, Jace Jorde, Tabitha (Nic) Miller, their children Gage & Raegan, Chelsey (Bryan) Sorvig, their children Jackson & Ellie, Kari (Chip) Lohmiller and their children, Chelsea, Morgan, Sannah & Macie, Nancy (Brian) Sturgeon and their children, Amanda, Jorde & Ava, and Wade Jorde; sister, Laura LaPointe; sister-in-law, Betty Jorde; brothers-in-law, Jarvis (Martha) Torgerson and Phil Torgerson; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Martin (Lila) Jorde, Alfin (Lorraine) Jorde, Evelyn (Elton) Cummings, Myrtle (Gene) Gist, Chester Jorde, Doris (Ray) Spencer, Ruben Jorde; and sister-in-law, Sybil (Merlin) Heath and brother-in-law, Ed LaPointe.