Obituaries : Roger Lee Harder

Roger Lee Harder, 84 of Keystone, Iowa passed away peacefully on Sunday October 11, 2020 at St. Luke's Hospice, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Roger was born on February 1, 1936 to Walter and Mabel (Meyer) Harder in Keystone, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Darlene Karpisek on September 28, 1963 at St. John Lutheran Church, Keystone.

Roger graduated in 1954 from Keystone High School. Shortly after high school, Roger started working at Rapids Chevrolet in Cedar Rapids. In 1956 he started working at Feuerbach Oil in Keystone until 1958 when he was drafted to the U.S. Army. After 2 months of basic training in Fort Collins, CO he was stationed at Fort Lee, VA until August 1960 when he was honorably discharged. After returning to Keystone, he helped his father on the family farm and worked at Feuerbach Oil. In 1966 Roger worked for IDS selling investments until 1971 when he began working for the Benton Community School System. In 1981 he was appointed to Maintenance Director for the school and retired in 1998. After retirement, Roger worked for Grinnell Mutual Insurance providing insurance adjustment inspections. Roger was a member of the Keystone Volunteer Fire Department for 35 years. Through the years he held positions for the Keystone Nursing Care Center and St. John Lutheran Church.

Roger is survived by his wife Darlene of 57 years, brother Ron Harder and wife Kathy, brother in-law Bruce Swick (Janice), son Brent Harder & wife Trina of Keystone, daughter Debbie Person & husband Rob of Apex, North Carolina and son Justin Harder & wife Amanda of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Grandchildren Austin Teneyck (Josi), Trever Mahoney (Ashley), Landree Person, Ryker Person and Sophia Harder; great-grandchildren Kingston Teneyck, Lola Teneyck & Ivy Mahoney and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Janice Swick and grandson Wesley Teneyck.

Roger was a beloved Dad, Papa and Husband, always the storyteller and a great sense of humor. He enjoyed attending Nascar races at the Iowa Speedway, a loyal Dale Earnhardt fan and would only be seen in black Chevrolet vehicles. He could be found either in his pristine garage or on his son Brent's family farm helping with whatever he was asked to do. He truly was the expert on all things involving home maintenance. His grandchildren were the love of his life and he enjoyed attending their many activities over the years. A friend to many, he was kind-hearted and will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held at St. John Lutheran Church, 201 4th Avenue, Keystone, Iowa starting at 1:00 PM Thursday October 15, 2020 until the start of the service at 3:00 PM. As an expression of sympathy memorial donations may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, Keystone, Iowa.

A heartfelt thank you to UnityPoint Hospice, Dr. Keith Kopec, Dr. Hamad Azam & Dr. Rasa Buntinas, & their many wonderful staff.

Online condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com