Dorothy Harder
1930 - 2020
Dorothy L. Harder departed this life at
home with her family at her side on November 4, 2020, in North
Newton, Kansas. Dorothy was born on August 22, 1930, the youngest
child of Dietrich and Katherine (Reimer) Regier. Dorothy grew up on
their farm in rural Harvey County with her eldest sibling, Arnold,
and sister, Alfrieda. They attended a one-room school nearby, and she
graduated from Moundridge High School in 1949. Dorothy graduated from
Bethel College in 1954 with a Bachelor's degree in Education and then
married Willis Harder.
Willis and Dorothy lived and she taught
in Topeka and Lincolnville, Kansas before returning to the farm in
1956 as her parents retired. Dorothy taught first grade in Buhler
before being at home for a dozen years as three children arrived,
Kurt, David, and Lynn. Dorothy prepared them for key aspects of life,
while also helping Willis with the expanding farm. Dorothy tended a
large garden and cooked large amounts of wonderful food for the
family and summer help.
In 1969, she returned to teaching and
taught 3rd grade for the next 26 years at Buhler. She loved her
students, as they improved their reading and math skills
(multiplication tables!). She also developed cherished friendships
with fellow teachers that endured.
In 1996, she and Willis moved from the
farm to North Newton where they have resided. As her children grew
and started their own families, Dorothy was a nurturing grandmother.
Every grandchild got a large and equal dose of love, learning, and
chocolate crinkle cookies.
Dorothy was an active member of the
Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church from 1945 to 2000 and thereafter the
Bethel College Mennonite Church. Dorothy had a deep faith and
expressed it by helping others, providing food and assistance, and
inviting new people in. Dorothy volunteered for several decades with
the Bethel College Women's Association and for 20 years at the Et
Cetera Shop in Newton.
Dorothy is predeceased by her parents,
her siblings and their spouses, Arnold Regier (Mary) and Alfrieda
Penner (Ervin), and her son, Kurt. She is survived by her husband of
66 years, Willis; daughter-in-law, Dorothy Janzen (Keith); son, David
Harder (Michele Horn); and daughter, Lynn Schmidt (Steve); nine
grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
On Saturday, November 14, 2020, at 3:30
p. m. Dorothy's immediate family will have a celebration of life
service and they invite you to watch it by livestream then at the
Dorothy L. Harder Memorial Service FaceBook page.
Memorial contributions may be made to
either the Kurt Harder Scholarship Fund at Bethel College or Good
Shepherd Hospice in care of Miller-Ott Funeral Home, P.O. Box 32,
Hesston, KS 67062. For more information on Dorothy's life or to leave
memories for the family, go to www.wigginsfuneralhomes.com
