Harder, Jacob J. (1886-1952)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Jul 3 p. 9

Birth date: 1886 Feb 28

text of obituary:

JACOB J. HARDER

Jacob J. Harder was born February 28, 1886, on a farm west of Delft, Minnesota. He was the oldest son of John and Anna Enns Harder. A short time later they moved to a farm southwest of Mountain Lake, Minnesota where he grew to young manhood. When he was only fifteen years old his father died. At the age of sixteen years he started to do custom threshing which he continued for many years.

He was baptized upon his confession of faith in 1908 by Elder Gerhardt Neufeld. At that time he also became a member of the First Mennonite church, where he remained a faithful member until the time of his death.

On February 8, 1914, he was united in marriage to Anna Janzen. They were privileged to share joys and sorrows for 38 years, three months and 26 days. Two daughters and six sons were born to this union.

They made their home in the village of Mountain Lake the first few years of their married life. Then the couple moved to a farm southwest of Mountain Lake where they lived for 29 years. Here many hardships were experienced as well as many joys. Mr. Harder was a hard worker but he also liked to take some time-off to enjoy the beauties of nature. He took an active part in the affairs of the community where he served on various boards and committees.

Since his health was failing it was decided to quit farming; they moved to the newly constructed house in Mountain Lake in the spring of 1947.

The deceased had his family’s best interests at heart. He took a great interest in the work of his children, and often went to see what they were doing. He also thought very much of his grandchildren. When he was still well enough, he spent much of the time in his workshop.

Many times during his lifetime he expressed the hope that he would never be a burden to his family. Although he had had a heart condition for many years, his condition began to get worse last September. Other complications developed and he had much pain for some time. He entered the hospital in December and his condition improved greatly. He was able to take part in the family gathering on Christmas Day which he enjoyed very much.

However, in January he began to get weaker. He entered the hospital for the last time a little more than three weeks before his death. He wanted to get well and remain with his loved ones longer, but he said that if this was not the Lord’s will, he was ready and willing to leave this earth and be with his Savior. He did not complain although he suffered much. He passed on to his final reward on June 3 at 5:15 in the morning. He reached the age of 66 years, three months and six days.

Those who remain to mourn his departure are his wife and eight children, namely: Theresa, of Washington, D. C., Harry, who is now in Paraguay, South America, Jacob, Anna (Mrs. Marvin Nickel), Lawrence, Leo, Albert, and Walter, who is at home.

He also leaves five daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, and thirteen grandchildren. Two of his grandchildren died in infancy. Also remaining are the three brothers: Frank, of Mountain Lake, Minnesota; John, of Salem, Oregon and Dietrich, of Seattle, Washington; and one sister, Helen (Mrs. Walter Rupp) of Salem, Oregon. Two sisters, Mrs. Marie Ysker, and Mrs. Anna Hiebert preceded him in death. Besides all of these, he leaves many relatives and friends.