Gerhard Paul Harder

Gerhard’s life began on August 18, 1921, the son of Gustav and Anna (Wiebe) Harder, in their farmhouse near Whitewater, Kansas. He attended Whitewater Schools and graduated from Hesston High School, Class of 1939. He married Anna Louise Regier on October 5, 1945, in Newton, Kansas.

He was a farmer stockman and loved every aspect of farming, counting it a privilege to work with his Creator. He was a member of Emmaus Church, enjoying singing, reading and traveling, having traveled overseas nearly 20 times, mostly to visit family and missionaries.

His loving family includes his wife of 74 years, Anna Harder of the home, his children, Joann Harder of Wichita, Ron (Janice) Harder of Newton, Richard (Glenda) Harder of Whitewater, Jeanette (Walter) Braun of Paraguay, Eileen (Dave) Barkman of Japan, Anbeth (Mark) Anderson of Newton; brother Arthur (Norma) Harder of Olathe; sister, Ella Harnly of Manheim, Pennsylvania; 22 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.

Gerhard entered Jesus’ presence on Monday, December 2, 2019, at Wheatstate Manor in Whitewater, having reached the age of 98 years. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Gus, Herb, Walter, and Harold Harder; sisters, Martha Dyck, Agnes Wuthrich, Ann Claassen, Esther Wiebe and Elsie Regier; and a grandson, Christopher Harder.

His family will welcome friends to visit on Friday, December 6, from 6-8 p.m., and his funeral service will be held Sunday, December 8, at 3:00 p.m. both at Emmaus Church, 9070 NW Meadowlark Road, Whitewater, Kansas 67154. Interment will be in the Emmaus Cemetery.

Because missions was such a passion to Gerhard, memorial donations (in lieu of flowers), in Gerhard’s name may be designated to Emmaus Church for the camp ministries of daughters Jeanette (Paraguay) and Eileen (Japan) (please designate in memo line) in care of Lamb Funeral Home, PO Box 358, Whitewater, Kansas 67154.

Please sign his online guest book and leave a memory of Gerhard at ymzfh.com.