Obituary of John Walter Harden

John Walter Harden departed this life on  June 15, 2019  peacefully at home. He had been ill for some time and was finally taken to his heavenly home. John was born May 18, 1946 in Albion , Michigan at Sheldon Memorial Hospital to Walter and Thurza Harden. He lived in Albion his whole life. He graduated from Albion High School as Salutatorian in 1964. He then went to Michigan State University where he graduated with a B.A. in German. Unable to enter the Air Force he joined the Peace Corp and went to Peru to teach them how to plant potatoes. Upon returning he helped his parents run the Twin Pine Mobile Home Park and tree farm where he met his wife Susan to whom he was married to for 45 years. He also served Sheridan Township as a trustee and worked for the City of Albion and was a certified Master Electrican, Building Inspector, Mechanical Contractor and repairman. John was active in the Rotary Club, Boy Scouts , barbershop singing and Open School. He was very active in his church singing in the choir for over forty years. He was also proud of singing in the Michigan Youth Choral.

John is survived by his wife and two children Kristen (Jeremy)Swonger of Columbia City,  IN and and Alexander of Albion. Two grandchildren, Annalise and Ander. He also is survived by a sister, Donna Wall and brother David Harden along with several brother and sister in laws and nieces and nephews. His parents preceded him in death. He will be much missed because of his wit, outgoing personality and his ability to communicate with anyone regardless of their language and his giving nature to help others. John has donated his body and a memorial mass will be celebrated and a private burial will occur at a later date. To celebrate his life, there will be a memorial mass at St. John’s Catholic Church in Albion, MI at 11:05 am Thursday June 27^th. Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 before mass at the church. There will be a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Oaklawn Hospice, St. John’s Catholic Church or Boy Scout Troop 158.