Charles Harder

Charles F. "Chuck" Harder, 79, of Sioux City left his earthly home and loved ones to be with our Lord on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, at a local care facility. Celebration of life services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at Faith Lutheran Church in Sioux City, with the Rev. Ralph Shorey officiating. Burial will be in the Ponca (Neb.) City Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Chuck was born July 23, 1933, in Martinsburg, Neb. He was the son of Ed and Alma (Ahrends) Harder. Chuck grew up in Martinsburg and Ponca. He enlisted and served three years in the U.S. Navy. He married his sweetheart, Bonnie Heydon, after dating for six years, on Nov. 28, 1954 in Ponca. Chuck graduated from barber college in 1955 and cut hair in Sioux City until his retirement in 2010. Chuck was a member of Faith Lutheran Church for over 50 years and was always a willing worker and enjoyed working for the Lord. He served as superintendent of the Sunday school for several years, he was an elder, trustee, usher and sang in the choir. He was active in the American Legion Monahan Post 64 and had served as Commander of the Post. He was a life member of the V.F.W. Post 5435 in Martinsburg. His hobbies included bowling, hunting, fishing, grilling and telling jokes. He always had a story to tell to anyone who would listen. He was an avid gardener, sometimes having up to three gardens to tend to. He is survived by his wife of over 57 years, Bonnie of Sioux City; five children, Annette Gensler and her husband, Richard of Martinsburg, Neb., Suzanne Harder of Sioux City, Gregory Harder Sr. of Sioux City, Debbie James of Sioux City, and Cheryl Lambrecht and her husband David of Sioux City; a sister, Mary Kaye Meredith of Sioux City; 11 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren with two more due to arrive in November. He is also survived by many extended family members. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Oscar Harder; and a sister, Lucille Anderson.