Clarence Louie Harder

March 11, 1928 - June 19, 2020

Clarence Louie Harder, the son of Louie W. and Carolina (Thomsen) Harder was born on March 11, 1928, in Avoca, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church. Clarence grew up on the farm southwest of Avoca, attending Pleasant #7 country school during his elementary years. The family moved to town and once lived in the same house where Johnny Carson spent part of his childhood. Clarence went to high school in Avoca and graduated with the class of 1947. He drove the school bus during his senior year. On December 27, 1950, Clarence enlisted in the air force. His basic training at San Antonio, Texas was followed by stops at bases in Biloxi, Mississippi, and San Angelo, Texas. He then served overseas with the Shoran Beacon Squadron in Seoul, South Korea. He returned to the United States in June, 1953, for his last USAF assignment in Rapid City, South Dakota. Shortly before enlisting, Clarence met Dolores Johansen, the love of his life. They married on March 23, 1952, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Kimballton, Iowa. They were blessed with four children, Louie, Jeff, Paul, and Carla. Clarence and Dolores began farming east of Avoca after Clarence's military service. In 1958 they purchased the farm east of Hancock. He considered soil conservation very important and received the East Pottawattamie Soil and Water Conservation Farm of the Year Award in 2009. He believed in leaving the land in better condition than he found it. In 1990 Clarence and Dolores retired and moved to Avoca. He enjoyed helping his boys with fieldwork, working seasonally at CPS, and making deliveries for Avoca Building with Gerald Peck. Clarence was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He served on the church council and was a Sunday school superintendent. He was a member of the East Pottawattamie Extension Council, the Salem Lutheran Board, the Fair Board, and the Avoca American Legion, once serving as commander. Clarence enjoyed playing cards and traveling. He had fond memories especially of the Okoboji trips with his family and the Herb Rock and Willis Krummel families. It is well known that Clarence never knew a stranger. Whether it was around town, on a vacation, or at the doctor's office, he liked to visit with people. His kids heard from him regularly and will miss his calls. Clarence was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. On Friday, June 19, 2020, Clarence passed away at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa. He attained the age of 92 years, 3 months, and 8 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, great-grandson Paul Leon Peters, and brother, Elmer, and sister-in-law, Leah Harder, and brother-in-law, Eiwind Madsen. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 68 years, Dolores, his children, Louie (Loretta) Harder of Hancock, Jeff (Sheryl) Harder of Walnut, Paul (Dawn) Harder of Hancock, and Carla (Jim) Dolan of Johnston; grandchildren Michael (Angie) Harder, Melissa (Lee) Peters, Ryan (Kara) Harder, Adam (Stephanie) Harder, Chad (Jenn) Harder, Kelsey Harder, Courtney Harder, Cole Harder, Marcus Dolan, Abigail Dolan, Jonathan Dolan (fiance Shannon Hartle), and Ian Dolan; great-grandchildren, Alex, Eli, and Ana Harder; Tyler Peters; Will and Ted Harder; Collin, Evan, and Hudson Harder; AJ, Lauren, Haley and Jordan Harder; sister-in-law, Leta Madsen, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ardyce and Mike Falcone; many special relatives and friends. An 11:00 AM memorial service was held on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca, Iowa with Rev. Eric Meissner officiating. Louie Harder served as urn bearer. Michael Harder, Melissa Peters, Ryan Harder, Adam Harder, Chad Harder, Kelsey Harder, Courtney Harder, Cole Harder, Marcus Dolan, Abigail Dolan, Jonathan Dolan and Ian Dolan served as honorary urn bearers. Inurnment with Military Rites were conducted by the Fred Funston Post No. 227 of Avoca, Iowa and held at the Graceland Cemetery in Avoca, Iowa. Pauley Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.