Melvin Virgil Harder

Melvin Virgil Harder was born on February 24, 1929 in rural Truman, MN. He attended country school near Truman and high school in Fairmont. Melvin worked several years for his father on the farm before entering the US Army. He served the US Army in Guam. Melvin came back to farming after the army. On December 2, 1961 Melvin married Myrna Rakness at St. John's United Church of Christ in Fairmont. This union was blessed with five children. They later divorced. Melvin worked for Bettin Trucking and Hodgman's Road Construction. On May 11, 1991 Melvin was married to Mary Ann Swift (Koeritz) at St. John's United Church of Christ. They lived in Fairmont until Melvin's death. He was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Fairmont. Melvin stayed busy fixing things and loved helping others. Melvin died on Sunday, February 9, 2014 at his home in Fairmont. Melvin is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Harder, Fairmont, MN; three daughters, Kimberly Grotzinger (Newton), Hampton, IA, Kara Harder, Redondo Beach, CA, Krystal Pluim (Curt), Champlin, MN; one son, Brett Harder (girlfriend, Season Bofenkamp); from Melvin's second marriage he is survived by two daughters, Pat Sohre (Art), Lake Crystal, MN, Bev Graplar (Larry Graplar), Fairmont, MN; three sons, Steve Swift (friend, Lisa Harris), Fairmont, MN, Dan Swift (Karen), Cordova, TN, Tim Swift (Michele), Claremont, MN; 18 grandchildren and step grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren and step great grandchildren; two sisters, Doreen Rabbe (Fred), Trimont, MN, Joyce Morrison, North Branch, MN. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Hazel Wolle; three infant brothers and one son, Blake Harder. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to United Hands Hospice, PO Box 160, Blue Earth, MN 56013.