John Harder of Steinbach passed away on October 5, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the age of 70 at Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. He was diagnosed with cancer on September 10, 2008, and died of complications from the surgeries with his family at his side. John is survived by his wife Susie of 42 years, four daughters and their families: Lorelei (Glen) Wiebe, their daughters Cassandra and Desirae; Melanie Harder and her sons Justin and Nathan Epp; Naomi (Gody) Streit and their daughter Emma; Darlene (Rudy) Martens; two sisters Evelyn (Goertzen), Nora (John) Wiebe; one sister-in-law Mary (Ben) Harder; one brother Peter (Mary) Harder; his mother-in-law Dora Wiebe, sisters-in law, Martha (Tom) Friesen, Tina (Willi) Schalla, Helen (Jeff) Walker; brothers-in-law, John (Nora) Wiebe, Dick Wiebe, Willie Wiebe (fiancé Lin) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one son Paul Johnathan on September 1, 1972, his parents Frank (Cornelia) Harder, brothers: Frank (Aganetha), Abe (Josie), Ben, sisters: Tina, Marie, Anne (Russ Curtaz), Sue (Peter) Giesbrecht and his father-in-law Henry P. Wiebe. John was a long distance truck driver for Penner International for 30 years. Prior to trucking, he worked at Acme Bedding and Parkhill Bedding. He enjoyed working on the yard, and after retirement enjoyed mowing lawn, and various odd jobs for others as well. He enjoyed going for coffee, telling stories, and giving advice. He most of all, enjoyed his family, children and grandchildren. John was involved with the church as an usher for years, and also took care of the church yard. Viewing will be held Thursday, October 9th at 7:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. Funeral service to be held Friday, October 10th at 10:00 a.m. at the Steinbach Chortitzer Mennonite Church with internment at the Rosengard Cemetery. We wish to give special thanks to the staff of Bethesda Hospital as well as the Health Sciences Centre for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.