Jacob F. Harder of Steinbach passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at the St. Adolphe Personal Care Home at the age of 93 years. He was born to his parents Jacob W. and Katherina (Funk) Harder on June 15, 1916. He lived his childhood years in his family home in Blumengart, Manitoba. In 1926, the family moved to South America for a short period of time. This was a very special experience for our Dad. We enjoyed listening to his stories about the boat crossing and work in South America. After returning to Canada he received a few years of English schooling and started work as a farm labourer very early in his life. Dad was baptized in 1937 upon confession of his faith in the Randolph CMC. This is where he attended church all his life and served as Sunday School teacher and later deacon for 12 years. On October 5, 1939 Dad married our loving mother Sara Wieler. Together they shared almost 70 years of joys and sorrows. Mom and Dad lived on the farm for 34 years. Dad enjoyed carpentry and farming. Much of his time was spent building his own farm buildings. He continued working as a labourer while helping his children with their homes. After the grandchildren came he built furniture, toys and miscellaneous items for them. Many of them have a prized possession which Grandpa created. After many years on the farm, Mom and Dad retired and moved to Steinbach where they enjoyed life together for another 34 years. In July 2008, they moved to Cedarwood Apartments. While here, Dad became ill in February 2009 and was hospitalized until May. He was transferred to Ste. Adolphe Nursing Home where he received tender care until his end. Dad was predeceased by his parents Jacob W. Harder and Katherina Harder, brothers Diedrich and Abram, and one daughter and one great grandson in infancy. He is survived by his wife, Sara and three sons and three daughters: Mary (Jac.) Bestvater, Eva (Cornelius) Rempel, Jacob (Helen), Henry (Bertha), Edward (Mary), and Martha Harder; 23 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren; three brothers: Peter, Cornelius & Kay, Henry & Evelyn; three sisters: Susie Schalla, Tina Hiebert, Mary & Ed Hiebert; and one sister-in-law Agnes Harder. The funeral service will be held Saturday, September 5, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. at the Chortitzer Mennonite Church, 479 Hanover, Steinbach with interment at Heritage Cemetery. If friends so desire donations in memory of Jacob may be made to Herrliche Botschaft, 478 Henry St., Steinbach, MB R5G 0J1. We thank all those who have delivered care along Dad’s journey through life. — The Family