Walter E. Harder, 99, died on Wednesday (April 6, 2011) at Newton Presbyterian Manor.
He was born on Oct. 4, 1911, in Brainard to Gustav and Anna (Wiebe) Harder. On Sept. 7, 1938, he married Frieda Entz in Newton, and she preceded him in death on July 25, 2002.
Walter was a retired farmer and stockman in the Peabody area. He was a member of Emmaus Mennonite Church in rural Whitewater. Walter enjoyed growing up in a large farming family. He also looked forward to spending time with his loving family and friends.
Walter is survived by his daughter, Marilyn (Harder) Kaufman and her husband, Marvin E. Kaufman of Newton; daughter-in-law, Ruby Holloway of Spivey; sister, Elsie Regier of North Newton, and Ella Judy Harnly of Pennsylvania; brothers, Arthur Harder of Olathe, Gerhard Harder of Whitewater, and Harold Harder of El Dorado; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Wesley Harder; brothers, Gus and Herb Harder; and sisters, Ann Claaussen, Esther Wiebe, Martha Dyck and Agnes Wuthrich.
Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Petersen Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 2 to 4 p.m. at the funeral home.
A memorial service will be at 3:30 p.m. Monday at Emmaus Mennonite Church in rural Whitewater. Pastor Steve Scott will preside. A graveside committal service will be at 2:30 p.m. Monday at Emmaus Mennonite Church Cemetery.
Memorials may be left with Berean Academy or Emmaus Church, in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
1911 - 2011 (99 years)