Rene Paul Harder

Rene Harder, age 85, of Neillsville, WI died Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at the Memorial Medical Center in Neillsville.Rene Paul Harder was born on May 3, 1931 in Christie, WI the son of Henry and Elsie (Hediger) Harder. He was educated through the 8th grade at the Mound School, north of Christie. He graduated from the Neillsville High School in 1949 and then attended the University of Wisconsin farming short course from 1950 to 1951. Rene then farmed with his Dad until he was drafted into the United States Army in 1953. He stayed in the Army until his honorable discharge in 1955. In 1957, he married Joan Liskow of Neillsville. They had four children, Paul, Grant, Philip and Michelle. They bought the Hughes farm in 1986. He kept 6 acres, restored the home and surrounding buildings. Joan Harder passed away in 1993, one year after they moved into the Hughes house. During his farming years he was very interested in the Wisconsin Guernsey Breeder Association. He also attended many conventions and served as vice president for 2 years in the association. At one time he had 130 Guernsey cows. He sold his farm to his son, Grant, in 2002.Rene enjoyed deer hunting, golfing and bowling and was a member of the sheepshead card club for 55 years. He and his sons built a log cabin in the wood lot which was became a gathering place for friends and relatives. During deer hunting the cabin was called Christie's Sharp Shooters. In 1994, he married Anita Ubele from Latvia. Together they started a hobby farm, where they would grow strawberries, blueberries and asparagus. On the farm they also had sheep, goats, horses and chickens. After 20 years they sold the house to their grandson, Lucas Harder, and they purchased a home in Neillsville. Rene was a lifelong member of the reformed United Church of Christ and served on several church boards.he is survived by his wife, Anita, one brother, Benny of Beloit, WI, his children, Paul of Milwaukee, Grant and his wife, Darla of Christie, Philip and his wife, Isabelle of Minneapolis, MN, daughter, Michelle and her husband Mitch Malm of Loyal, WI, two step children, Rasma Marks and Ugis Livdans, 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his first wife, Joan, his parents and three brothers, Henry Jr. of Manitowoc, Hans of rural Neillsville and Alan of St. Germaine.Funeral Services for Rene will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 19, 2016 at the United Church of Christ in Neillsville. Pastor Jacoba Koppert will officiate. Music will be provided by Eileen Zank, organist. Interment will be in the Marie Louise Chapel Cemetery in Christie, WI. Military Honors will be performed by the Neillsville Veteran's Council. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday and from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Monday both at the United Church of Christ.Casket Bearers are: Luke Harder, Joe Harder, Sam Harder, David Harder, Otto Harder, Max Malm, Mackenzie Malm, Morgan Malm, Mason Malm and Janis Buikauskis.Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Rene's family with Funeral arrangements.Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 South Grand AvenueNeillsville, WIUS 54456