Adaleen D. Harden

Adaleen D. Harden, 98 of Gaylord, passed away at home at The Porches on Sunday, September 22, 2024.

Born on October 25, 1925, in Detroit, she was the daughter of John and Olga (Marske) Schigoda. She grew up in Detroit and graduated from Denby High School. 

Adaleen’s mom, Olga, ran a boarding house from their home. Adaleen and a young tenant by the name of LaVerne “Bob” Harden, became acquainted and began dating. They fell in love and were married in Detroit on September 8, 1945. 

Adaleen and Bob lived in Detroit where they began raising their family. They also lived in St. Clair Shores, Livonia, and West Bloomfield, before later moving to Rose City. In 1974 the couple moved to Gaylord.

In Gaylord, Adaleen and Bob operated Harden Building and Real Estate, with Adaleen as the real estate broker and Bob as the builder. They were also charter members of Peace Lutheran Church, which Bob built. Both Adaleen and Bob were driven to volunteer in the community, with Adaleen always Bob’s support behind the scenes.

Adaleen loved music, singing in the church choir, and playing piano. She also loved flowers and gardening and enjoyed traveling with Bob for Builders Association trips and trips to Mexico. In addition to the church, she was also a member of Gaylord Zonta and the Gaylord Homebuilders Auxiliary. Her family and friends will remember her for her cooking and baking, she made the best pies!

Adaleen was preceded in death by her husband, Bob on November 16, 2011. She is survived by her children, Barbara (Thomas) Levi of Williamsburg, Robert (Deborah) Harden of Saline, and Thomas (Ann) Harden of Gaylord; grandchildren, Jennifer (Rex) Gilbert, Christopher (Sandra) Levi, Kimberly Levi, Matthew (Yun Wu) Harden, William (Janelle) Harden, Kathleen Harden, Curtis (Nichole) Harden, and Jamie (RJ Reid) Harden; great grandchildren, Andrew, Archer, Hayden, Anna, Emma, Elise, Audrey, Rachel, and Eric; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Bob, she was preceded in death by her parents, John and Olga; and her siblings, Leroy Schigoda, Marilyn Grey, and Johnita Schigoda.

Adaleen’s family will visit with friends from 4:00-8:00 PM Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, September 27, 2024, at Peace Lutheran Church where visitation will begin at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Hayes Township Cemetery.

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to Hospice of Michigan, The Porches, or Peace Lutheran Church.

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