Debra J. Harders

Debra Joan (Campbell) Harders,64, of Wood River, NE returned to her heavenly home after passing away unexpectedly at CHI/St. Francis in Grand Island, NE on December 1st, 2018.



Visitation will be Wednesday, December 5th from 4-7pm followed by a rosary at 7pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wood River, NE. Funeral service will be on Thursday, December 6th at 10:30am, also at St. Mary’s. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery following the service.



Apfel Funeral Home - Wood River is serving the family.



Deb was born in Grand Island, NE on November 12, 1954 to Ronald and Evelyn (Morosic) Campbell. She graduated from Wood River Rural High School with the class of 1973 and went on to college at Hastings CCC. She married Dave, her high school sweetheart, on July 19th, 1975. Deb worked at McDermott & Miller, PC before she and Dave took on a new role as entrepreneurs, establishing the Alda Grill & Grocery and shaping it into the local café/grocery/gas station that kept the little town of Alda going. After defeating breast cancer in her mid-30’s Deb changed her career path and worked for Chief Industries’ Buildings Division. While there, her work ethic and attention to detail allowed her to master various advancing positions in her 20 plus years of dedicated service before retiring in March 2018.



Deb was truly a servant, always giving of her time and talents. She touched so many lives and gave of herself whenever she saw a need. She volunteered at school when the kids were younger and continued to be active at St. Mary’s parish. There was an endless outpouring of love that Deb showed to so many people through countless acts of generosity. She was a member of CCW at St. Mary’s. She served on the building committee for St. Mary’s Marian Hall, devoting countless hours, seeing it to fruition. Deb and Dave were instrumental in starting up the annual Lenten fish fry for the church. Deb was also a pivotal leader in the evolution of The Eagle’s Nest at Husker Harvest Days, which continues to be a staple fundraiser for Wood River Rural High School’s Booster Club. She was formally recognized for a number of these accomplishments.



Deb loved her family. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She treasured spending time with them whether attending activities or simply “grandsitting.” At Harlan County Reservoir she enjoyed fishing, boating, relaxing on the beach, and visiting with friends and family on the deck at the lake house. A few of Deb’s other hobbies included baking, cooking, gardening, canning, working on home improvement projects, and sewing. Deb and Dave took an annual vacation to Arizona to enjoy time with their good friends each winter. They were on their way to becoming avid travelers in their new camper.



Those left to cherish her memory include: her husband of 43 years, Dave Harders; children Mandi & Jamie Morgan of Wood River (Ellie, Amaya, Layla, & Ember), Heidi & Travis Klasna of Omaha (Andrew & Scarlett), Matt & Danicia Harders of Lincoln (Cannon & Maevyn & baby due April 2019), and Jeff & Jordan Harders of Grand Island (Quinn & baby due January 2019); her mother Evelyn Campbell and mother-in-law Charlotte Harders, both of Grand Island; her sister Sue & Bruce Lans of Stamford; brother-in law Ray Saunders of Grand Island; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Doug & Dolores Harders and Dale & Peg Harders all of Grand Island; Jay & Tami Harders and Denise Stoner of Alda; Jenie & Matt Maloney of Wood River; Connie & Bob Brown of Henderson, and numerous nieces and nephews.



Deb was preceded in death by her father Ronald Campbell, her sister Rae Ann Saunders, and her father-in-law Francis Harders.



Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Wood River Foundation, or the family.