Harder, Gerhard (1860-1942)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1942 Oct 15 p. 3

Birth date: 1860 Jan 29

text of obituary:

Gerhard Harder

Gerhard Harder, was born Jan. 29, 1860, in Lichtfeld, South Russia. Here he spent his early years and received his elementary education. In 1874, he came to America with his parents. They soon settled near Inman, Kansas. With them he went through the hardships and privations of pioneer life.

On Dec. 14 1879, he was baptised upon his confession of faith by Elder Heinrich Toews and was received as member into the Bethel Church, whose faithful member he remained to his end. He enjoyed his spiritual life and was glad to take part in testimony and prayer meetings.

On Jan. 6, 1881, he was united in marriage to Margaretha Ediger. For 57 years, 8 months, and 25 days they were permitted to share joys and sorrows. Eight children were born to them, four died in infancy. One son, Gerhard, died in May of this year. Some fifteen years of their life they spent in Oregon, the remainder in and around Inman and Buhler. Mother died October 1, 1938, almost four years ago. Since that time he made his home with his daughter, Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Kroeker.

He enjoyed good health to the age of 67, when rupture set in. For two years he suffered with convulsions. He would, however, as health and strength permitted, perform odd jobs in and around the house. Sunday, Sept. 20, he was in church both forenoon and in the evening. In the evening he led in closing prayer. On Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 10:00 A. M. convulsions again set it. He had a dozen attacks till 4:00 P. M., Thursday. After that he lay more or less motionless to hs end, which came Saturday, Sept. 26, at 6:30 P. M. He has gone home and was glad to go, since he was already waiting for his Master's call. He reached the age of 92 years, 7 months and 28 days. The physician attributed his death to cerebral hemorrhage or apoplexy.

He is survived by three of his children, Mrs. Wm. Plett and Mrs. E. E. Kroeker of Inman and Mrs. H. T. Neufeld of Enid, Oklahoma; their respective husbands; a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Gerhard Harder, of Bakersfield, California; 19 grandchildren, five having gone before; two brothers and four sisters. The family mourns not as those without hope, for he kept faith to the end and often expressed his readiness to go.

Funeral services for our old brother, Gerhard Harder, were held Wednesday, Sept. 30, in the Bethel church south of Inman. The congregation stood as the body was brought in. After the congregational song, "Die Heimat Faellt mir immer ein." Bro. P. T. Neufeld opened the service with prayer and read the obituary of the deceased. A mixed choir sang the song, "We are going Down the Valley One by One."

Rev. E. L. Konrad of the Hopewell church preached in the American language. His text was John 14: 1 - 4. He emphasized especially the thought, "Let not your heart be troubled."

The choir sang another song, "We'll Never Grow Old."

Rev. P. T. Neufeld preached on John 1: 16. Ten points of grace were given: grace to be out of bondage, grace to live, grace of salvation, grace for strength, grace for duty, grace to suffer, grace to give grace of gifts, grace of acceptance, and grace of eternal blessings. Father Harder had the blessing that his son George had yet found the Lord. everyone should be in grace, but grace should not be misused.

Bro. Harder was among the first to be baptized after the founding of the Bethel church. He had been a member longer than any one else in the church. He was also the oldest member.

The service was closed with prayer and singing of song No. 553. As the congregation of 293 persons passed the casket, two songs, "Engel oeffnet die Tore weil," and "How beautiful Heaven Must Be" were sung. at the cemetery one-half mile from the church the song, "Good-night Here and Good-Morning Up There" was sung and Rev. D. Friesen read I. Thess. 4: 13 and made a few remarks. He closed with prayer. A lunch was served in the basement of the church. We will miss Brother Harder, even though he was old. With greetings.

J. T. Pauls, Inman, Kans.