Harder, Helena (1879-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Dec 29 p. 10

Birth date: 1879 Jan 19

text of obituary:

HELENA HARDER

Helena Harder was born Jan. 19, 1879, to Mr. and Mrs. Johann Harder on a farm near Henderson, in York County, Neb. She was the second of five daughters. She received her limited schooling in the rural school near her home. Suffering complications from a childhood disease, she was deaf for the rest of her life.

She was baptized upon the confession of her faith May 30, 1898, by Elder Peter Friesen, and received into the Bethesda Mennonite Church, of which she remained a life-long member.

After the death of her parents the home was broken up. She and her sister Nellie established a home in the town of Henderson. When Nellie's health failed, it became apparent that the two sisters were unable to take care of themselves. In 1948 they were admitted to the Klinger Nursing Home in Aurora, Neb. In February, 1949, the Sunshine Home of Buhler, Kansas, became their home. Nellie went to her heavenly home in 1950.

Helena spent many lonely hours in her room. It pleased her when Rev. and Mrs. John Siemens, who had been former neighbors of theirs, came to be houseparents of the Home.

In the last few weeks she had a number of falls. Wednesday the relatives were notified that she was failing considerable. Thursday afternoon she recognized those who came to see her. It was apparent that she was very ill but she said she had no pain. The following night she was extremely restless, calling for help, and when earthly help seemed not enough, she said, "Saviour then help Thou me." The Saviour did help by taking her to be with Him at 11:15 a. m. Dec. 9, 1955. She attained the age of 76 years, 10 months and 20 days.

She leaves to mourn her departure a sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob J. Boehr of Langham, Sask., four nephews and four nieces in Canada, one niece, Mrs. Roland Regier of Moundridge, Kansas, and one niece, Mrs. Pete Fleming, of Newton, Kansas. Her parents, three sisters, and one infant brother preceded her in death.

Funeral services were held Dec. 12, 1955, in the Bethesda Church, Henderson, Neb., in charge of Rev. Arnold Nickel. Interment was made in the Ebenezer cemetery.