Jerry R. Harder

Jerry R. Harder, 79 of New London, died Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at his home near New London with family at his side.  His Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Jan 28, 2023 at Hope Presbyterian Church in Spicer.  Visitation will be from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the church.  Burial at a later date will be in Cloverleaf Cemetery in Willmar. Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in New London.                      

Jerry Robert Harder was born on November 30, 1943, in Sleepy Eye, the son of Elmer and Doris (Wilson) Harder.  He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith in Franklin. He attended Franklin Elementary and High School. On May 2, 1964, Jerry was united in marriage to Betty Johnson at the Covenant Church in Willmar.  They were blessed with three daughters and a son.  They made their home in the New London/Spicer area where he worked with cars as a mechanic,  auto body repair and sales.  Jerry never really retired as he was always working on some project.

Jerry was a member of Hope Presbyterian Church and local car club. He enjoyed going for casino runs and road trips with Betty on the back roads to look at old farms and spot old cars. They recently  took several cruises, one of which took them to Cuba where he loved hearing the history and seeing the many old cars.  

Jerry died on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at his home near New London with family at his side.  He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty; children, Tami Harder (Rick Gillispie), Tari (Dave) Bigalk, Todd Harder and Tricia (Todd) Stanghelle; seven grandchildren, Jamie, Jeremy, Josh, Kelsie, Jerad, Jake and Tyler; five great-grandchildren, Jase, Mason, Madison, Lincoln and Raelyn and brother, Lonnie Harder.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Virgil; son-in-law, Paul Andreen II and granddaughters, Christina and Clarissa Andreen.       

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