Donald Lee Sunden, 81, formerly of Fort Madison, Iowa, entered heaven at 5:40 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2024. He was born on January 29, 1943 in Argyle, Iowa to Oscar William and Mable (Fickle) Sunden. On May 30, 1964 he married Betty Harmon and she preceded him in death on May 20, 2001. Don worked at Gleason Corporation, Headco Machines, and Industrial Tooling & Fabrication as a tool and die machinist. He loved his work. Don was a member of several rodeo associations including the International Professional Rodeo Association where he competed in his early years as a bull rider and calf roper. He became a Senior Pro Judge for the association and was selected to judge the International Finals Rodeo 44 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Don was also a founding member of the Fort Madison Saddle Club and the founding member of the Fort Madison High School Rodeo. He worked the Tri State Rodeo for Cervi Championship Rodeo for over 20 years. Don enjoyed tending to his cattle, dogs and horses in the Texas sunshine, driving his tractor and making metal signs, bits and spurs.
He is survived by his daughter, Sherry Ann Sunden of Dublin, Texas, his brother, Larry Sunden of Fort Madison, Iowa and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and 1-brother, Frank Sunden on July 20, 2020. He would want to be remembered as a humble Cowboy who loved rodeos and the western life.
A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, October 14, 2024 at Oakland Cemetery in Fort Madison, Iowa. A celebration of Don’s life will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 14, 2024 at The Stockyard on the Tri-State Rodeo grounds. Online condolences to Don’s family may be left at the King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory website: www.kinglynk.com.
