Jess Harder

Jess Harder, 100, died July 17, 2016, at the Buhler Sunshine Home. He was born April 6, 1916 in a rural home near Isabella, a small town in Major County, Oklahoma. His parents were Abe R. and Susie (Hein) Harder. After two years at Tabor he enrolled at Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a teaching certificate in 1940. Jess began his teaching career in September, 1940 in a small rural school in Beaver County, in the Panhandle, of Oklahoma. On October 10, 1943 Jess married Lula Mae Neufeld in Beaver County, Oklahoma. They had two sons, Max and Fenton. In the fall semester of 1947 Jess enrolled at the University of Oklahoma to work on a Master of Arts degree which he completed several years later. While a student at OU Jess received an invitation to join the faculty at Buhler High School. He accepted the offer and was on the faculty for 22 years. In 1969 Jess left BHS and joined the faculty at Hutchinson Community College and retired from teaching in 1982. While on the faculty at HCC a colleague suggested Jess run for a seat in the Kansas House of Representatives. He accepted the challenge, won the election in 1982, and was reelected four times. His public service also included two terms as Mayor of Buhler in the middle 1960’s. Jess was a member of the Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church and served as Moderator and Sunday School teacher for many years. Survivors include his wife, Lula Mae Neufeld, Buhler; a son, Fenton J. Harder and wife, Margaret R. Harder, Burlington, WI; grandchildren; Kyle J. Harder, Las Vegas, NV; Eric and Brynn (Cunningham) Harder, and son Avie Harder; Kathleen Harder, Wilmington, Delaware; Jason and Kathy Harder, and family; Luke and CeCie, Farmington, MA; and Jen Ryder and family; Casey, Morgan, and Emma, Wabash, IN. He was preceded in death by a son, Max K. Harder. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at the Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church, with Pastor Nick Rempel presiding. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Wednesday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Buhler Sunshine Home, in care of Buhler Mortuary.

Jess Harder

April 6, 1916 - July 17, 2016