Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Harder, Carol May (Wingeier) December 6, 2024 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Patricia Currigan currigan1932@concast.net January 19, 2025, 10:44 am Ionia Shopper's Guide-Sat.December 14, 2024 HARDER Carol May (Wingeier)Harder, 94, of Ionia,MI passed away on Friday,December 6, 2024. Born on May 22, 1930, the daughter of Carl and May (Velzy) WIngeier, she was known for her warmth, strength, generosity, and unyielding positivity. Carol graduated from Ionia High School and married her high school sweetheart of 76 years, Christian Harder, on Dec.30, 1947.Carol and Chris were members of the Palo United Methodist Church for many years and served as their Musical Team. Carol also oversaw the Vacation Bible School Program. Among Carol's most significant accomplishments was raising her children, whom she held as her pride and joy Carol was a premier organist and played for over 50 years serving Palo United Methodist Church, Belding United Methodist Church, and the First Presbyterian Church of Ionia. In addition to playing the organ, she served as a bookkeeper for their family-run business, Harder & Sons, managed their family farm for many years, and drove buses for Palo Community Schools for a few years. Yet, she always found time to care for her Mother, family, friends, church, and community. To serve is what Carol thought she was meant to do. Even amidst the challenges life brought her way, Carol never wavered in her compassion for others. As a servant of God, she supported her family and extended a helping hand to anyone in need, Her life served as a testament to her philosophies,"Trust in the Lord and do good"and "Every day is a kiss from above." She enjoyed crafting, sewing, shopping trips to Macy's, following the latest fashion trends, as well as tending to her flowers and garden. She attended "Just Like Home'Adult Daycare where their supportive community enriched Carol's last days.Her family will reminisce about her delicious dinner rolls and supreme dinner parties for years to come. Carol will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Christian Harder of Ionia, her 7 children, Craig(Ruth) Harder of Saranac, Carl(Vesta)Harder of Carson City, Stephen(Phillis)Harder of Florida,Marcia(Darlys) Storjohann of Fenwick, Angela Irene of Fenwick, Samuel Harder of Saranac, Joel(Bridget)Harder of Fenwick, special family friend,Jennifer Hatt of Lansing, her 17 grandchildren and many great=grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is joined in rest by her mother, May (Velzy)Wingeier, her father, Carl Wingeier, and her sisters; Ardith (Charles)Westie, Janice(Jim) Bussard, and Carmen(Ken) Kistner. A visitation for Carol will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Wednesday,Dec.11,2024 with a Celebration of Life immediately following at 3 p.m. at Lakes' Funeral Home in Ionia with family and close friends.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to "Just Like Home"Adult Daycare in Ionia. Online condolences may be made at www.lakefuneralhomes.com. Carol's loss is deeply felt by her immense family and all those who knew and loved her.Her memory will continue to live on and inspire strength, resilience, and generosity in those whose lives she touched.Her family is comforted knowing she is accompanying the angels of heaven. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/ionia/obits/h/harder48516nob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/mifiles/ File size: 3.7 Kb