Jean L. Harder, age 91, of Wentzville, Missouri, formerly of Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 4:22 A.M. on Friday, January 7, 2022, at her home in Wentzville, Missouri, with her loving family by her side.
She was born on November 29, 1930, at her home in Hoyleton, Illinois, the daughter of Henry W. and Amanda Louise (Westerfeld) Nierman. She married Arthur C. ”Bud” “A.C.” Harder on June 15, 1952, at Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ, in Hoyleton, Illinois, and he preceded her in death on October 31, 2009.
Mrs. Harder is survived by her loving family, son, Philip Harder and wife Tina of Wentzville, Missouri; daughter, Julie Ann Yost and husband Chad of Warrenton, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Angela Harder of Morris, Illinois; grandchildren, Megan Harder, Jacob Harder, Cody Yost, and fiancée Mackenzie Filling, Emilie Yost, Chloe Yost, and Cade Yost; great-grandchildren, Brock Harder, Brody Harder, and Breezy Harder; sister, Marilyn Nierman Owens and husband Norm of Alpharetta, Georgia; sister-in-law, Janice Niermann of Hoyleton, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her loving husband of 57 years, Mrs. Harder was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Nierman and Amanda Nierman, son, Michael Harder, brothers, LeRoy Nierman and wife Elaine, Kent Nierman and wife Barbara, and Robert “Bob” Niermann; and sisters, Elsie Pries and husband Nelson, and Lucille Stevenson and husband George.
Mrs. Harder graduated from Centralia Township High School, attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, and received her bachelor’s degree in education from Lincoln University. She was a school teacher for over 40 years and retired after teaching for 20 years at Willow Grove School in Centralia, Illinois. She lived in Wentzville, Missouri, and formerly from Centralia, Illinois.
Mrs. Harder attended the First Baptist Church in Wentzville, Missouri, where she enjoyed the 55 Plus group, Senior Choir, and the Women’s Sunday School Class. She was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Centralia, Illinois, where she was a member of the church choir and other church organizations. Mrs. Harder was a member of the Cultural Society Choruses and the National Music Club. She was a charter member of the Madrigal Singers and a 50 plus year member of the Philanthropic Educator’s Organization. She was former President of Friends of the Library. Mrs. Harder loved to tend to her garden and grow beautiful flowers to be enjoyed by those around her. She belonged to a golf league, bridge club, and American Association of University Women. Jean and her husband loved to read and travel, but mostly she cherished the time she spent with her family.
A Celebration of Life Services for Mrs. Jean L. Harder will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, January 14, 2022, at Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois, with Reverend Donald R. Yost officiating. Interment will follow in Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ Cemetery in Hoyleton, Illinois. Friends are invited to visit with Mrs. Harder’s family from 9:00 A.M. until the time of her services at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, January 14, 2022, at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home. The family asks those who are attending to please be mindful of social distancing, wear a mask, and take any health precautions necessary to ensure a healthy environment. Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Harder’s honor to Camp Rainbow in Fenton, Missouri, or Make-A-Wish Foundation and may be received by the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home at 134 South Elm Street in Centralia, Illinois. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, or share memories with Mrs. Harder’s family at www.moranfuneralhome.net.
