"To Karen & family: We were so sorry to hear about Dave. Over the last couple years, Bill had the occasion to have several good visits with David when we were at Ponca for different functions. I am so glad he had that opportunity. We know Dave was a blessing to all those lives he touched. You and your family are surely in our thoughts and prayers. With sincere sympathy, Bill & Patsy Barth"
In loving memory of
David "Dave" C. Harder
July 13, 1936 - August 29, 2018
David C. "Dave" Harder, 82, of Ponca, NE passed away on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at a Sioux City hospital.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Ponca, NE. Burial will be in the Ponca Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will begin at 4:30 P.M., with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Mohr Funeral Home in Ponca, NE.
Dave was born on July 13, 1936 in the Ponca Hospital in Ponca, NE, the son of Rudolph and Margaret (Weber) Harder. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Ponca. He attended rural School District #13, then Ponca High School. As a boy, Dave found and raised a newborn raccoon (Coonie) until he was old and grey. Coonie rode on the tractor with him and spent hours on Dave's shoulder. He joined the U.S. Army in July, 1956 and was stationed in Ft. Hood, TX and Korea.
Dave married Karen Havranek on May 26, 1960 in Ponca, NE. They were blessed with 2 children, a son, Greg and daughter, Marni. He farmed with his Dad for many years and worked as a mechanic for Adams Chevrolet, Verzani Chevrolet and for Knerl Ford in Ponca for 38 years. He also worked for many years as a salesman at Quality Motors in Vermillion, SD.
Dave loved spending time with the loves of his life, grandsons, Colt Harder and Andrew Brinkmann. He enjoyed cars, restored several cars and pickups, and owned many, many new and used cars. He also loved music, dancing, and playing a good game of cards.
He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, a local card club, and was a past member of PACC and Knights of Columbus. He helped with the Nifty Fifty's Car Show for many years and put 1500 miles on his car distributing flyers one year. He also taught Powder Puff mechanics classes for women.
Left to mourn his passing are his wife, Karen Harder of Ponca, NE; children, Greg (Kelly) Harder of Sioux Falls, SD and Marni (Steve) Brinkmann of Ponca, NE; grandsons, Colt Harder and Andrew Brinkmann; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Margaret Harder; sisters and brothers-in-law, Bonnie (Dick) Harison and JoAnne (Paul) Rahn.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for designations to be made at a later time.
Tributes
"Karen, our deepest sympathy for your loss. Dave truly was a kind and gentle person that always had time to say hi and talk with anyone that he was around. Many times we talked cars and he was especially proud of all the cars he had owned throughout his many years. He will be missed by not only you and your family, but to all those that knew him. God bless you and your family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Jim and Kristina Brinkmann "
"It was such a shock to hear Dave had passed.. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Karen and your family. Dave was always so thoughtful and caring. Always willing to help. We will all miss him."
"I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dave. My thoughts and prayers are with Karen and the entire family. When I would go visit my Mom and Dad in Ponca it would also include a visit with Dave at Knerl Ford. A tune-up my dad would say. My Dad, Dave and I would talk about my future and what I was going to be when I grew up. I would say an Airline Stewardess and my dad would say a teacher. Then Dave and I would say a teacher. Then we would laugh and look at my dad. The three of us had a very special bond. Dad and I always looked forward to our visits with Dave. He made me feel important and special. We had a great friendship and lots of awesome conversations. What a Smile!!! Such a kind and thoughtful gentleman. I have great memories of my time in Ponca. Of all the people that touched my life like Dave and Karen. He will be missed. Janet Kingsbury Lundgren. Daughter of Merle and Lucile Kingsbury"
"I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with Dave and all of his family. God Bless. He will be missed by so many of us. "
"So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family "
"Uncle Dave ?Dad?, you had a gift for making your nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews feel loved. You made it known, through your words and time spent, that we were all very important to you. Rest In Peace. I love ?? you! Also to Aunt Karen ?mom?, Greg, Kelly, Colt, Marni, Steve, and Andrew my family is so sorry for your loss...no words, except for we love each one of you too! Lina"