Harder, Edward M. (1886-1952)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Dec 25 p. 6

Birth date: 1886 Nov 8

text of obituary:

— A large number of friends and relatives attended funeral services at the First Mennonite church Saturday afternoon for E. M. Harder, 66, prominent farmer who passed away Wednesday at the farm home east of Newton after a long illness. Rev. D. J. Unruh, Rev. J. E. Entz and Rev. H. J. Dyck officiated at the services. A cablegram from a son, Rev. Waldo Harder, missionary in Africa, was read and special music included singing of a favorite hymn by a nephew and selections by a mixed quartet. Mr. Harder is survived by his wife, the former Mary Entz; one daughter, Mrs. Gus W. Harder of Benton, Kans.; three sons, Edwin O. and Milburn of Newton, and Waldo of the Belgian Congo; a sister, Mrs. Gus Reimer of Whitewater; and two brothers, Gus Harder and Rev. B. W. Harder.

---

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Jan 22 p. 9

text of obituary:

EDWARD M. HARDER

Edward M. Harder was born near Whitewater, Kansas, on November 8, 1886, the youngest of seven children born to John Harder and Marie Regier Harder, and departed this life at Newton, Kansas, on December 17, 1952, at the age of 66 years, one month and nine days.

Early in life he had to go through sad experiences, losing his mother at the age of 18 months. In his diary we read that he never knew his mother, but that her prayers had followed him all through life. He attended school in his home community, and then for some time the Bethel College Academy. On May 23, 1904, at the age of 17, he was baptized upon confession of his faith by his beloved uncle and elder Gustav Harder, and was received into the Emmaus Mennonite church.

On December 2, 1909, he was united in marriage to Marie Entz with whom he shared the joys and sorrows of life for more than 43 years. Three sons were born to this union and one daughter was taken into the home later. Having made their home near Newton, he joined the First Mennonite church April 2, 1911, of which he has been an active member.

His life was characterized by deep devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ and a desire to live for Him and serve Him. He took a lively interest in the affairs of the church where he held many responsible positions and was active in many avenues of its service to the Lord. Very dear to his heart was the work of the Berean Academy wherein he was active from the beginning, being one of the charter members of the Board of Directors.

It was a special joy to the departed that his youngest son, after being superintendent of the Berean Academy for five years, answered the call of the Lord into the service in the Congo Inland Mission field, where a new Bible school is to be founded for the training of native Christian workers, of which he was to be the director.

Another milestone in his life was Dec. 2, 1934, when he was privileged to celebrate, together with his beloved wife in the midst of his family and many relatives and friends his silver wedding anniversary, praising the Lord unitedly for what He had done to them throughout the many years.

The 20th of December, was in the E. M. Harder home the day when the family came together, he made the remark, “will we celebrate together again next year.” Now he is celebrating in glory. It is a coincident that today, is the 20th of December.

Some three years ago the departed noticed that his health was beginning to fail. He sought medical aid with doctors of wide experience, hoping to regain his health again. But it was ordained otherwise in the Providence of God, the author and sustainer of life. His disease took its course. His illness was a lingering one. Although not having pain, the great weariness that accompanied the disease was hard to bear. But he was resigned and bore what the Lord had laid upon him cheerfully and with fortitude, resting peacefully on the Everlasting Arms that were strong enough to carry through to the end.

Throughout the whole course of his illness he was tenderly cared for by his beloved wife, who gave herself to him in unselfish devotion, always seeking to relieve his suffering. For some weeks he had been failing rapidly, but the more the body perished, the stronger became the longing to be at home with the Lord.

He loved to draw Bible verses from his promise box (Ziehkaestchen). Especially precious to him lately was the verse Psa. 146:5, “Wohl dem, dessen Hilfe der Gott Jakobs ist; dessen Hoffnung auf dem Herrn, seinem Gott stehet.”

Now the departed is in the glorious presence of the Lord. At 7:30 Wednesday morning his longing was stilled, his spirit released to enter into the presence of Him in whom he had believed.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, three sons, one daughter, 13 grandchildren, three brothers, one sister and a host of relatives and friends.

“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow them.”