Gerhard M. Harder

Gerhard (Gary) Milford Harder, Sr., age 78, died on Monday, January 27, 2014, at his home in Le Sueur, MN. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2014, at 11:00 A.M. at Word of Life Lutheran Brethren Church in Le Sueur. Visitation will start at the church at 10:00 A.M. Luncheon will be served immediately following the memorial service. Interment will be in Mound Cemetery at a later date. Gary was born on May 2, 1935, to Peter & Mary (Quiring) Harder in Lostwood, Mountrail County, ND. The family moved to Warroad in northern Minnesota when Gary was a young boy. He married Thelma Jane Unruh on September 5, 1958, in Munich, ND. The couple lived in Warroad, MN, for a short time where Gary worked in the lumber business and at Marvin Windows. Gary and Thelma began their missionary career with Bethany International Missions and moved to Brazil with their children in 1963. Gary mentored Bible school students and worked wholeheartedly on the farm in Altonia, Parana, Brazil. He influenced countless students to live faithfully for Christ over the 35 years they served in Brazil. Gary and Thelma returned to Minnesota in 1998 and settled in Le Sueur, MN. Gary worked several years as the maintenance mechanic at Bethany Press International in Bloomington, MN, and retired to care for his wife Thelma in 2008. Gary was an active member of Word of Life Lutheran Brethren Church and served as a trustee and custodian. He is survived by his 3 children: Mary (Jeff) Carlson of Le Sueur, MN Gary (Jane) Harder of Shakopee, MN Terry (Laura) Harder of Shakopee, MN Grandchildren: Gloria Carlson, Jason (Nicole) Carlson, Melissa (David) Jennings Jessica Harder, Camila (Alex) Swanson Corbin, Dylan, Eli and Faith Harder. Siblings: Peter (Marilee) Harder of Moses Lake, WA Willard Harder of Fort Myers, FL Clayton (Yeda) Harder of Prior Lake, MN Arlin (Cathie) Harder of Miami, FL Stanley (Marianne) Harder of Phoenix, AZ Many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma, on December 25, 2010.