Willie Harder, 84

Frederick Willard “Willie” Harder, age 84, of Constantine, passed away Friday, December 30, 2022 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend.

He was born August 29, 1938 in Three Rivers, the son of Charles Laverne and Grace (White) Harder. He graduated from Constantine High School with the Class of 1956.

Willie served his country in the United States Navy from 1956-1959.

On July 20, 1996, he married Joyce Hall. She preceded him in death in 2005.

After her passing, Willie had another chance at love when he married Betty Henschel in 2018, after courting her for 14 years. She survives at the home.

An auto mechanic by trade, he owned Harder’s Auto Service in Constantine.

Willie had a true heart for his community in several capacities, including Citizen of the Year, Jaycees, Lions Club, his service on the Constantine Village Council for many years, a volunteer firefighter, organization of a car show in downtown Constantine, and many other areas too numerous to list.

Willie loved both drag racing, and stock car racing. He made many memories and friends doing what he loved.

Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Betty Harder; sons, Bruce Harder of Constantine, and Todd & Lisa Harder of Branson, MO; step-children, Garry & Tina Lee of Kalamazoo, Dawn & Norman Blum of Sevierville, TN, Patricia & Bob Geisenheimer of Portage, MI; Grandchildren, Jared Harder of Hendersonville, TN; Jordan & Emmarie Harder of Ozark, MO and Macy Sicard of Grand Rapids. He had one great-grandson, Kingston Harder of Ozark, MO. He also had many step grandchildren & great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by parents, C. Laverne & Grace Harder; brothers & sisters, Phyllis Harder, Joyce Mansberger, Warren Harder, & Mary Higgins; and grandson, Jeremy Harder.

A memorial service will be held Friday, May 12, 2023 at 1:00 at Three Rivers Bible Church, 220 N. Erie St., Three Rivers. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery.

Donations in Willie’s memory may be directed to Three Rivers Bible Church or Constantine Fire & Rescue Building Fund (make checks out to Village of Constantine with “Fire Department in memory of Willie Harder” in the memo line). Envelopes are available at Hohner Funeral Home.