Harder, Margaretha Sawatzky (1884-1964)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1964 Mar 26 p. 8, 10

Birth date: 1884 Jul 6

text of obituary:

MRS. PETER F. HARDER

Margaretha (Sawatzky) Harder was born on a farm northwest of St. James, Minn. on July 6, 1884 to Johan and Anna (Rempel) Sawatzky.

She grew to womanhood on the farm. She obtained her schooling in the district and private schools and showed great interest in her studies.

On May 28, 1904 she was baptized upon confession of faith by Elder Gerhard Neufeld and became a member of the First Mennonite Church North of Butterfield.

May 30, 1905 she was united in marriage with Peter P. Harder. This union lasted 57 years, and they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1955. Eight children were born into the family, all of whom are living. Her husband died Oct. 17, 1962.

They farmed south of Mt. Lake, Minn. for several years and later moved to a farm north of Butterfield which they had purchased. In 1916 they moved to Lostwood, N. D. where they farmed until the fall of 1931, at which time they returned to their farm north of Butterfield. They retired from farming in 1941 and moved into the village of Butterfield.

Our mother enjoyed good health practically all of her life. Four years ago she underwent major surgery and recovered from her ailment. However her health began to fail again in October 1963, and she entered Bethel Hospital at Mt. Lake on Jan. 22, 1964.

She was a wonderful Christian mother. Her flowers and her garden were her special joy. Her hobby was hand work and no one knows the number of articles she made to give to others.

She leaves to mourn her departure seven sons and one daughter, John of Warroad, Minn., Peter of Minneapolis, Abraham of Mt. Lake, Jacob, Aganetha (Mrs. H. M. Harder), and Cornelius, all of Butterfield, Rev. Frank of Omaha, Neb. and Benjamin of Watetown, Minn.; seven daughters-in-law and one son-in-law; 45 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, two brothers and one sister.

Preceding her in death were her husband, three brothers, three sisters, and one granddaughter.

We rejoice that she is now with her Lord whom she loved. — The Family.

The Mennonite obituary: 1964 Mar 31 p. 223