Obit: Harder, Hans J (1934 - 2006)
Contact:  Shari Hahn
Email: steppinwest@elknet.net

SURNAMES: Harder, Hediger, Peterson, Casper, Hoberg, Chapman, Zealley (Zealey), Voss, Barone

Source: Marshfield News-Herald, December 29, 2006

Harder, Hans J (16 Aug. 1934 - 28 Dec. 2006)

Hans J. Harder

CHRISTIE -- Hans Harder, age 72, of Christie, died Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006, in the Palliative Care Unit of Saint Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield.

Funeral services for Hans will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006, at the United Church of Christ in Neillsville. The Rev. James Mohr will officiate. Music will be provided by Eileen Zank, organist, and Angela and Chelsie Harder, vocalists. Interment will be in the Marie Louise Chapel Cemetery in Christie.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. today at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville and from noon until service time Saturday at the church.

Casket bearers are his grandchildren, Joshua Harder, Jacob Harder, Derek Harder, Jeremiah Harder, Michael Hoberg, Chelsie Harder and Elyse Casper.

Hans J. Harder was born on Aug. 16, 1934, on the home farm in Christie, the son of Henry and Elsie (Hediger) Harder. He attended and graduated from Neillsville High School in 1953 and later that year was united in marriage to Donna Rae Peterson in the E & R Church in Neillsville. Hans then attended the University of Madison for 4-1/2 years for agriculture. After that they moved to Christie where they have farmed ever since.

Hans was a member of the United Church of Christ in Neillsville. He was a devoted member of the NFO and a charter member of the Christie Sharp Shooters.

His hobbies included hunting, restoring old John Deere tractors, card parties and attending his grandchildren's activities.

Hans is survived by his wife, Donna Rae; seven children, Sheryl (Val R.) Casper of Driggs, Idaho, Tim (Maureen) Harder of Hugo, Minn., Cindee (Mark) Hoberg of Monticello, Minn., Robin (Amy) Harder of Neillsville, Jeffery (Angie) Harder of Colfax, Christopher (Sandy) Harder of Chippewa Falls, and Bradley (Tracy) Harder of Appleton; 15 grandchildren, Elyse Casper, Marisa Harder-Chapman and Erin Zealley, Laura and Michael Hoberg, Nicole Voss, Cassie and Derek Harder, Joshua, Chelsie, Jacob and Jeremiah Harder, Bailey and Bryce Harder and Lars Harder; four great-grandchildren, Sage Chapman, Tehya Barone, Josiah Harder and Averie Zealey. Hans is also survived by four brothers, Henry (Marjorie) Harder of Manitowoc, Benjamin (Betty) Harder of South Beloit, Ill., Rene (Anita) Harder of Christie, and Alan Harder of St. Germain.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Patrick; his parents; and a sister-in-law, Joan Harder.

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Hans' family with Funeral Arrangements.