Harder, Marie Wilhelmena Entz (1888-1976)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1976 Jul 29 p. 11

Birth date: 1888 Feb 6

MRS. MARIE W. HARDER

Our dear Mother went home to be with the Lord on July 5, 1976. Each time we visited her she grew sweeter and she would say, "Yes, one by one our loved ones leave us but, we Christians, we'll meet them again in heaven. . . . but to meet my Saviour will be the bet of all."

Marie Wilhelmena (Entz) Harder, was born to Abraham and Marie (Busenitz) Entz on Feb. 6, 1888, at the farm homestead three and a half miles east of newton, Kan. Here she grew to young womanhood. She was baptized on June 11, 1905 by Elder Jacob Toeves.

Upon her marriage to Edward M. Harder of Whitewater, Kan. on Dec. 2, 1909, they built their home a mile from the parental home. To this uion were born three sons: Edwin, Milburn, and Waldo. In 1924 our parents made a home for Katherine, aged 13.

Mother enjoyed her life as a homemaker with her companion for 43 years. We remember her love and care for Papa during those long difficult days of his last illness. Papa passed away in December 1952 and in March 1963 her grandson, Elwin with his wife Caryn, came to live on her yard.

Her hospitality will be remembered by many. She would fill our home to capacity with guests and she had the knack of making an occasion festive for both adults and children. Christmas was special. Mother would set up one long Christmas table and there was a place for each one. She enjoyed making many fancy gifts and baking Christmas goodies. As soon as Christmas was over she would start again for the next year, crocheting, knitting, embroidering and planning special shopping for each one.

Another joy and fgift of Mother's was her "Thursday Quilting." She said, "This I do for my Saviour." She would pick up other quilters who had no way to get there. Often we quilted in her home. On one occasion her brother, Rev. John E. Entz, came when she was busy quilting. He said, "Here is a 'home missionary'."

Along with her husband she enjoyed giving for the cause of missions, Christian education, and the church. She had a deep concern that the grandchildren attend Berean Academy, and this year there will be six great-grandchildren attending this Christian high school.

In December 1970 Mother entered the Bethel Home. Always she has had a thankful spirit for all the wonderful care received. She was cheerful and had a wonderful sense of humor.

Preceding her to glory were: her husband, Edward M. Harder; two sons, Milburn and Waldo; five brothers, Gerhard A., Rev. John E., Bernhard W., Wilhelm H., Heinrich L.; and two sisters, Helene A. M. and Katie.

Surviving are one daughter, Katherine, and husband Gus; one son, Edwin O., and wife Edna; two daughters-in-law, Erma Harder and Abbie Ann Harder; three sisters-in-law, Mrs. J. E. Entz, Mrs. Gus Reimer and Mrs Henry Harder. Mother was loved by 16 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. — The Family.