Francis H Harders

Francis H. Harders, 86 of Grand Island, formerly of Wood River, died Saturday, October 14, 2017 at CHI St. Francis Health in Grand Island.



Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Grand Island. Father Martin Egging will be officiating. Interment will be the St. Marys Catholic Cemetery in Wood River, NE.



Visitation will be from 4-7 P.M. Tuesday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with a vigil rosary to follow at 7:00 P.M. Memorials are suggested to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Grand Island or St. Marys Catholic Church in Wood River. Apfel Funeral Home is assisting the family.



Francis was born on October 27, 1930 in rural Wood River, Nebraska to Otto and Marie (Eich) Harders. He grew up in the Wood River area, graduating from Wood River High School in 1948. He served in the United States Army from 1951 where he served in Germany until being honorably discharged in 1953. He was united in marriage to Charlotte McAllister on November 10, 1954. For 40 plus years Francis farmed in the Wood River area, retiring in 1992. Following retirement, he worked for Case New Holland for 3-4 years while farming, was custodian for Seedling Mile Elementary School for 8 years and then Ag Express Electronics for 4-5 years.



He was a member of St. Marys Catholic Church in Wood River along with Blessed Sacrament in Grand Island, where he was instrumental in starting the parish. Other memberships include the Platt Duetsche, Liederkranz, and the American Legion Club in Wood River. Francis enjoyed wood working, making many types of trucks and trains, camping, fishing, boating and spending time with his family. Along with being an avid Husker fan, he was also very proud of his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. He truly enjoyed attending their sporting events. He coached little league baseball and girls softball in Cairo, also pony league baseball in Wood River. Three years ago, he was privileged to participate in the Hero Flight with his son Jay, a memory he was very proud of.



Family left to cherish his memory include: wife, Charlotte; sons and daughters-in-law, David and Deb Harders of Wood River, Doug and Dolores Harders of Grand Island, Jay and Tami Harders of Alda, Dale and Peg Harders of Grand Island; daughters and sons-in-law, Jenie and Matt Maloney of Wood River, Denise Stoner of Alda, Connie and Bob Brown of Henderson. 20 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren with one on the way. Sisters and brothers-in-law, Joyce and Tom Rainforth of Grand Island, Peggy and Bill Thomas of Wood River, Glenda and Arch Stittsworth of Grand Island; sisters-in-law, Ruby Harders of Wood River, Cheryl Linden of Holdrege; brothers-in-law, Al Panowicz, Gary McAllister of Grand Island.



Francis was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Delbert Harders, brother and sister-in-law Arnold and Glorene Harders; sister, Evelyn Panowicz, sister and brother-in-law, Leona and Jim Rauert; brothers-in-law, Dan Beck, Larry Linden; infant grandson, Adam Seth Harders; and great-great-grandson, Angelo Harders.



Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.apfelfuneralhome.com