MARCELLA IONA HARDER, 96, of Bemidji passed away at GoldPine Home on May 23, 2022.
She was born on April 4, 1926, in Garner, Iowa; the first born of Mildred and Raymond Lindsey. She grew up in Mason City, Iowa, where she attended first through eighth grades in school.
On January 12, 1943, she was married to Lionel “Bud” Shepherd. To this union, one daughter, Sandy, was born.
She was united in marriage to Howard “Mike” Harder on July 8, 1945. To this union, four children were born; Howard, Patsy, Kathryn, and William.
Marcella enjoyed her life on the family farm north of Bemidji near Pinewood. She took great pride in her gardening skills. She worked for Beltrami County in her later years providing transportation for medical patients and was a Home Care Housekeeper cleaning homes for elderly individuals in the Bemidji area. She also volunteered for many years at the Bemidji Senior Center, being the “official coffee maker” for lunch each Wednesday and for their monthly Pancake Breakfast Day.
Marcella especially enjoyed the many bus trips that she experienced over the years; she went on tours throughout the United States and some in Canada.
One of the proudest moments in her life was completing the requirements in order to receive her GED Diploma in 1998 at the age of 72. She always felt that it was never too late to get an education. She passionately loved reading, sewing, and quilting.
Due to memory difficulties, she moved into Bemidji’s GoldPine Home in early 2017, and remained there until her passing.
She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Kathryn, in 1948; her husband, Mike, in 1991; parents, Raymond and Mildred Lindsey; sister, Sharon; and brothers, James, Jerry and Berry.
She is survived by sons Howard (Marlys) Harder and William (Leah) Harder of Bemidji; daughters Sandy Lenz, Antioch, CA, and Patsy (Douglas) Winger, Wrenshall, MN; grandsons, James Norris and Kristopher Winger; granddaughters Lauren (Lenny) Fuentes, Tisha (Joe) Buskala, Korie (Corwin) Klink, and Kyja (Ryan) Stephenson; one brother, Irvin “Pat” Lindsey; and numerous great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and a family of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Her family would like to say a very special “Thank You” to all the caring staff members at GoldPine Home for their loving care and understanding over these past years.
A private memorial will be held for Marcella at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to GoldPine Home, Bemidji, or Trinity Lutheran of Pony Lake, 12886 Highway 89 NW, Bemidji, MN 56601.