Harder, Johann G. (1940-1973)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1974 Feb 22 p. 31

Birth date: 1940 Feb 28

text of obituary:

JOHANN G. HARDER

Jacob Harder on February 28, 1940 Hague, Saskatchewan. Through the friendship and help of a teacher, Mr. P. Dreidger, John accepted Christ as his Saviour at age 11.

He attended Bethany Bible Institute from 1960 to 1963. September 22, 1962 marked the beginning of a happy marriage to Laura Annie Dueck, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred J. Dueck, Lucky Lake, Sask.

John was a hard worker, a good father and interested in the spiritual welfare of others. His friends will long recall his warm sense of humor as well as his ambition to complete his education. He was also active in church and community life.

He and his wife spent a year pastoring at McMahon, Sask., and then assisted the church in Swift Current. In 1969 they made a major decision to move to Winnipeg. God wonderfully supplied their needs through four years of studying, first at the Mennonite Brethren Bible College and then at the University of Winnipeg.

In the spring of 1973 John received his BEd., a long worked-for goal. He began a teaching position in Winnipeg in the fall, and the family moved into their first new home. They made their church home at the River East Mennonite Brethren Church.

On the way to visit their families in Saskatchewan, the Lord took John to himself, through a car accident December 22.

The bereaved family includes his wife Laura; their children, Janice and Rodney; his father, Mr. Jacob Harder; grandparents Rev. and Mrs. Henry Martens of Warmen, Sask., eleven sisters and their families; two brothers and their wives, 46 nieces and nephews, 26 aunts and uncles, and many friends.

Rev. W. Regier of Rosthern and Rev. Sylvester Dirks conducted the funeral service held at Rosthern Mennonite Church on December 27,1973. The presence of the Lord was felt in a special way during the time of sharing from some of John's friends. Rev. E. Isaac of River East Church in Winnipeg spoke at the graveside.