Thomas Robert Harder

Thomas Harder, 80, of Willmar, died Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Cura of Willmar.

A Celebration of Life and Faith will be held at 12:00pm on Thursday, October 1, at Willmar Bible Church. Private interment with military honors will be at Ripley Cemetery in Litchfield. Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 pm on Wednesday, September 30, at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar.

Thomas Robert Harder was born August 16, 1946, in Litchfield, Minnesota, to William and Alice (Rick) Harder. He grew up in Litchfield where he was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. He graduated from Litchfield High School in 1964. While he would say he wasn’t much of a student, Tom loved athletics and excelled at baseball, basketball, and football. Beginning life in Litchfield created many lasting friendships and connections. It seemed everywhere he went, he’d recognize someone from his hometown, give them a big smile with a warm greeting, and take time to share a meaningful visit.

Following high school, Tom served his country in the United States Air Force from 1964-1968. He was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska, where he learned about life outside Litchfield, worked hard, and made more lifelong friendships.

On October 3, 1970, Tom was united in marriage to Wynn Stephenson in Litchfield. Looking back to when he first met her, he would say he knew right away that she was his forever. Wynn was everything to him, and he showed that by cherishing and loving her fully every single day.

Tom and Wynn made their home in Willmar, where they raised their three children, Holly, Mark, and Sara. Tom always put the family ahead of himself, making sure everyone had everything they needed – security, safety, support, encouragement, humor, kindness, gentleness, and an abundance of love.

Tom worked for BNSF Railway in Willmar for 38 years, retiring in 2006. In managing the yard, Tom was fully invested in the safety of each crewman, and, of course, forged more enduring friendships.  

Tom and Wynn spent their early retirement years on their hobby farm near Bird Island where they enjoyed raising goats together and had their doors wide open for the grandchildren to come, stay, play, and be loved. They returned to Willmar in 2014.

Tom was a member of Willmar Bible Church where he served as a greeter and mowed the church lawn for many years. He was also a member of American Legion Post #167 in Willmar.

Could a man be more content in an old boat out on the lake with his line in the water and a couple walleye already caught? While walleye fishing was his lifetime passion, Tom’s greatest happiness was found with his family. He had a great and amazing love for Wynn, his children, his grandchildren and all the little ones. That first moment when he walked into the room, grew a warm, genuine smile that reached his blue eyes, and wrapped us up in sweet hugs is already deeply missed and will be held in our hearts always.

Of absolute most importance, Tom is a child of God with a strong belief in the promise of Eternity through the love and sacrifice of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We celebrate the gift of Tom’s life, and we rejoice in his salvation.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Tom is survived by his wife, Wynn; three children, Sara (Michael) Burgett of Spicer and their children, Ben (Hannah), Eli, Sam (Aubrie), Abe (Caitlyn), and Annabelle Burgett; Mark (Michell) Harder of Renville and their children, Kylee, Jaden, Tanner, and Autumn Harder, Felicia, and Lucus Garcia, and Brooke (Bailey) Damlow; and Holly (Paal) Haug of Willmar and their children, Liz (Matt) Cordes, Cate (Kevin) Krieger, and Charlie Haug. Tom was also blessed with a beautiful bundle of great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Alice Harder; brothers, David and James Harder; and two grandchildren.

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