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John Anthony Harder
(Sept. 18, 2002 - Aug. 29, 2011)
Joseph Thaddeus Harder
(Sept. 15, 2006 - Aug. 29, 2011)
John Anthony and Joseph Harder died on Aug. 29, 2011 of hypothermia and drowning.
John Anthony Harder was born on Sept. 18, 2002. He was named after the late Fr. John Anthony Harden, a Jesuit Priest who was revered for his holiness and piety. Johnny, as he was known by his family and friends, was very gentle and affectionate. He always wanted to be on Mommy or Daddy’s lap.
He served as an altar boy in Powell at the Latin Mass. After vesting, he always had a big smile as he walked from the sanctuary to the pew where he knelt to say the rosary before Mass.
Though he was dreadfully fearful, he was obedient to his dad and kept paddling against high wind and waves. He was wearing his brown scapular.
Joseph Thaddeus Harder was born on Sept. 15, 2006. He was named after St. Joseph, Foster Father of Jesus, and St. Jude Thaddeus the apostle. Joseph had a bubbly, outgoing personality that earned him a reputation as a “ham.” This charmer endeared himself to all who knew him, especially his grandparents and great-grandparents, both real and adopted.
His last act before he was swept out of his kayak was to start a rosary for his mother, who was already in the water.
They are survived by their parents, John and Janice Harder; their sisters Katie, Anne, Cecilia and Mary; great-grandmother Modell Bullard from Kentucky; grandparents Robert and Marilyn Harder from Powell, Tom and Connie Blanford from Poole, Ky., Evina and Wallas Bell from Henderson, Ky.; nine aunts, nine uncles and 46 cousins.
A funeral Mass for Johnny and Joseph Harder was held Saturday, Sept. 3, at St. Barbara’s Church in Powell.
Thompson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.thompsonfuneral.net.
