Ralph H. Harder

Ralph H. Harder, age 86, life-long Bay Port resident, died Monday, February 7, 2011 at Huron Medical Center after a lingering illness.

Ralph was born at home on September 11, 1924 to the late Archie and Augusta (Matchuret) Harder. He grew up in Bay Port and attended school there before serving in the US Army during World War II. He was united in marriage to Patricia Ann Farrell on May 16, 1946 at the RLDS Church in Bay Port. She preceded him in death on February 10, 2009.

Ralph retired as a master plumber having owned his own business. He was a member of the Bay Port Community of Christ Church, Bay Port American Legion and the Michigan Plumbers Association. He enjoyed duck hunting, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his children Tim (Sharon) Harder of Pigeon, Scott (Carolyn) Harder of Bay Port and Suzanne (Van) Fritz of Owendale; grandchildren Tony and Christopher Harder, Josh (Meagan) Fritz, Ashley (Matthew) Bumhoffer, Courtney, Patrick and Brianna Fritz; great-grandchildren Bentley and Lauren; and sisters Margaret Johnson of Saginaw and Alice Voss of Caro.

He was preceded in death by his brother James Harder.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm Thursday at the Bay Port Community of Christ Church with Terry Brown officiating. Burial will be in New Bay Port Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 11:00 am Thursday until the time of service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Bay Port Community of Christ Church or Courtney Manor of Bad Axe.