Willis E Harder

Willis Edwin Harder, 85, of rural Newton, Kansas died on November 15, 2023 at NMC Health

He was born on July 25, 1938 in Newton, Kansas, the oldest child of Edwin and Edna (Janzen) Harder.  Willis attended a one room country schoolhouse and graduated from Newton High School in 1956.  Willis spent the majority of his life on the family farm, but did spend two years working in Topeka, Kansas at a neurological hospital as a medical aide as well.  After that time he was a welder and factory worker in addition to farming.

Willis was a life-time member of First Mennonite Church in Newton, Kansas where he served as an usher.

On June 12, 1971 he married Anna Marie (Regier) Harder of First Mennonite Church in Halstead, Kansas.  They were married 52 years.

Willis is survived by his wife, Anna Marie Harder; children, Jonn (Lisa) Harder and Carol (Tracy) Budde; grandchildren, Jacob Harder, Samuel Harder, Brylee Budde, and Brynn Budde; great grandchild Hadlee; sister Janice (Don) Regier; brother Richard Harder; and numerous other family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother, Marlin Leroy.

Memorial service will be at 11:00 am, Monday, November 20^, 2023, at First Mennonite Church in Newton, Kansas, with Pastor Luke Unruh officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, November 19^th from 1-5 P.M., at Petersen Funeral Home, with family present from 3-5 P.M.   A private burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery.

Memorials have been made to MCC and First Mennonite Church, Newton and left in care of Petersen Funeral Home.