In loving memory of

Wilma J. "Peg" Harder
April 18, 1926 - January 22, 2015

Wilma J. "Peg" Harder, 88, of Elwood, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2015, at the Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A celebration of Peg's life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, January 27, 2015, at the Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Monday, January 26, 2015, at the Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, at a later date.

Wilma Jane Saunders was born on April 18, 1926 in Brandon Township, rural Monmouth, Iowa, to Bert Raymond and Ida Pearl (Scott) Saunders. She was a 1944 graduate of Maquoketa High School and then worked as a secretary at the Maquoketa City Hall. She married Elmer Louis Harder on May 21, 1944 in Clinton, Iowa. They farmed together east of Elwood until retiring in 1986, but continued to live on their farm until moving to Maquoketa in 2012.

Peg was a member of the Elwood United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She was a charter member of the Lawrence Van Hook Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, and a member of the Iowa Society of Mayflower.

Peg loved doing things in her kitchen, especially cooking and baking and collecting and trying new recipes. She enjoyed reading, keeping the farm records and corresponding with friends and relatives.

Those left to honor Peg's memory include her husband of 70 years Elmer Harder of Maquoketa, IA; a son Gary Lee Harder of Maquoketa, IA; a brother Lloyd Saunders of Clarence, IA; and a sister Marjorie Clemens of Cedar Rapids, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son Larry Edward on May 22, 1991, and sisters Myrtle Watters and Beulah Duhme.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Wilma J. "Peg" Harder memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Tributes

Dee McDonald Flint wrote on Mar 11, 2015:

"She was a very dear friend of our family when we lived in Iowa."

Richard Harder wrote on Feb 3, 2015:

" We are never ready to loose our spouse or our mother. we send you all our prayers and sympathy at this difficult time "

Alvin Noehren wrote on Jan 27, 2015:

"Elmer and Gary, Sorry to hear of your loss. Gary it's been several years since I was "mean" to you making you work so hard in P.E. and during the track season. I was always impressed with your work-ethic and am sure your parents were very instrumental in helping you develop that. I wish you the best in 2015! ALVIN NOEHREN, Garner, Iowa "

Patsy Krantz wrote on Jan 27, 2015:

"Elmer and Gary, I enjoyed our visits when we would see each other. My deepest sympathy to you both. Cherish the Love shared and the Memories made, for these keep them with us forever in our hearts. "

lyle and nancy schepers wrote on Jan 26, 2015:

"You have our sympathy"

Joan Saunders Ringgenberg wrote on Jan 26, 2015:

"Elmer and Gary, Peg was a wonderful lady. I have special memories of our families doing a lot of things together over the years as we kids were growing up. I especially remember you all playing cards and having a really fun time. My deepest sympathy to you Elmer and Gary on your loss. I know Peg will be so dearly missed."

Donna Feltes wrote on Jan 25, 2015:

"What a great aunt. Peg hosted many family gatherings especially Thanksgivings I remember she made the best sweet dressing. She was a great cook and gracious hostess. She is now reunited with her beloved son Larry. Elmer and Gary you both have my deepest sympathy on your loss. Just know she is now in a better place free from pain."

Susan Hall wrote on Jan 24, 2015:

"Elmer, I was sorry to learn about the loss of your lady. You two are good folks. I'm glad you had a long life together. And, Gary, losing a mom is a sad time for kids, of any age."

Kevin, Bobbi, & Ian Poll wrote on Jan 24, 2015:

"We have such wonderful memories of visiting with Peg. She was a sweet and generous lady, and we couldn't have asked for better neighbors than Elmer and Peg. "

Connie Suthers Patridge wrote on Jan 23, 2015:

"I have wonderful memories of Peg and all she did, cooking, playing cards with my folks, and working on the farm. She was a great neighbor. My sympathies to you, Elmer and Gary."

Dave and Elaine Luett wrote on Jan 23, 2015:

"Elmer, You are in our thoughts and prayers. We always enjoyed seeing the two of you together. The two of you created such a picturesque farmstead, and we often drove by on our way home from the pasture we have nearby. Both of you were good neighbors to everyone. "