William E. Harder

William E. Harder, Sr., of Perrysburg, OH, passed away on Friday, December 11, 2015. He was born on March 17 (yes, St. Patrick's Day) 1939 in Graytown, OH to Earlin H. Harder and Marian W. (Schultz) Harder. He attended the Oak Harbor schools and served honorably for four years in the United States Navy. Bill could never be idlehe was either doing a load of laundry, picking up the twirlies in the yard, picking a fight with the squirrels, baking his famous sugar cookies, or in the car with his bride of 53 years driving to Amish Country or an antique store. Bill had a life-time love affair with fishinghis one true passion (besides his wife and family). Although he wore many different hats in his life, his three favorite ones were that of husband, father/grandfather, and fisherman. He never let an opportunity slip by to be out on the lake, along the banks of the river or pond fishingjust as long as he had a pole in his hand. He always had a story to tell, a big smile on his face, and he was always so fun to be around. His personality was contagious and his goofiness was nothing short of infectious. He wasn't afraid to act silly and laugh at himself, as long as it brought a smile to someone else. Bill made a friend in everyone he met and always left a lasting impression, be it good or bad (always good). When he was in the Navy, he had one of the most important jobs on the shipthe cook. Everyone wanted to be his best friend and that love of cooking followed him throughout his whole life. He made the best pot roast, melt in your mouth fried perch, delectable homemade cookies and comforting pots of soup. Survivors include his loving wife, Luana (Sherrill) Harder, children: Rosanne (Randy) Brietzke of Osceola, IN, Dolly (Phil) Bartell of Oak Harbor, OH, Elaine (Mike) Pantorno of Perrysburg, OH, and Charles (Lori) Harder of Defiance, OH, six grandchildren: Carolyn, Miles, Kassandra, Angela, Dominic, and Seth and seven great-grandchildren. His son, William E. Harder, Jr. preceded him in death in 2014. He is also survived by six of his eight siblings: Shirley (Bud) Lacumsky of Port Clinton, OH, Allan (Janet) Harder of Oak Harbor, OH, Paul (Becky) Harder of Wichita Falls TX, Karen (Ed) Davidge of Graytown, OH, Cheryl (Rob) Hughes, of Graytown, OH, and Russell (Carol) Harder of Vista, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earlin and Marian Harder Boyer, and brothers, Leroy Harder and David Harder. Family and friends are invited to call from 1-8 P.M. Tuesday at Crosser Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Oak Harbor. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 122 Ottawa Street, Oak Harbor. Pastor John Stirewalt will officiate, and interment will follow at Salem Township Union Cemetery, Oak Harbor. Bill's family asks that, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Crosser Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Oak Harbor, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be shared at www.crosserfuneralhome.com. Funeral Home: Crosser Funeral Home - Oak Harbor Chapel 301 N. Locust Street Oak Harbor, OH