Roger H. Harder

Roger H. Harder, age 77 of Rush River, died suddenly at the Minnesota Valley Health Center in Le Sueur on Thursday, January 24, 2013. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, January 29 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sibley Township, Sibley County. Visitation will be on Monday from 4-8 p.m. at the Kolden Funeral Home in Le Sueur and at the church 1 hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Burial with military honors will be in the church cemetery. Roger was born on June 14, 1935 in Kelso Township, Sibley County to William H. & Gertrude (Hell) Harder. He grew up in the Kelso Township area attending Dist. #7 Schools (Rush River). He graduated from Le Sueur High School in 1953 and attended the University of Minnesota Agriculture Campus of St. Paul. He entered the United States Army in 1957 and returned from the service in 1958. Roger married Donna Pehrson on December 23, 1961 at Scandian Grove Lutheran Church near Norseland, MN. The couple lived on the home farm their entire lives. Roger was a dairy farmer for many years, drove corn & pea trucks for Dave Doktor and later drove school buses for the Le Sueur-Henderson School District. Roger was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He joined 4-H at a young age, attended Farm Boys Camp, ushered at the Grandstand at the Minnesota State Fair and enjoyed dancing. He spent time with his children and grandchildren and supported them in all their activities. He is survived by his wife, Donna Daughters; Sue (Brian) Schwartz of Le Sueur, MN Margie (Don) Riebel of Le Center, MN Julie (Rick) Plafcan of Cleveland, MN Grandchildren;Kali, Kayla, Cassie, Christine & Laura Schwartz Brittney & Ryan Riebel and Hunter Plafcan. Sister;Marilyn Harder-Brandt of St. Paul, MN He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, William A. Harder.