November 14, 1919 - November 07, 2019
HARDER, Emma Kuni 1919-2019 Emma peacefully passed away November 7, 2019, one week short of her 100th birthday. She was born on November 14, 1919 the last of eight children born to Davis and Kuni Dennler of Juliaetta, ID. Her father died when she was one year of age which left her mother to care for eight children and operate a farm that is still being operated by a nephew today. Emma rode horseback to school each day. After graduating from Juliaetta High School in 1937 she moved to Spokane to attend Kinman Business College. She worked for Pacific Northwest Bell in Lewiston, ID and had many stories to tell about being a switchboard operator. During this time, she met her honey, Hans Harder. They met on a Thursday, had a first date on a Saturday, engaged on Sunday and married six weeks later. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage until Hans’ death in 2002. Hans served in both the Army and Navy during WWII and always had Emma near him whenever possible. After his discharge they moved to Kahlotus, WA to operate the family Harder Farms. It was while living in Kahlotus that Emma developed a love of the outdoors. During hunting season their home was filled with family and friends from near and far. From Friday night to Sunday night Hans and Emma entertained their company with pleasure. They would get up early to hunt ducks, geese and big game but not before the big country breakfast with famous omelets and apple pancakes. They had a private pond stocked with trout and Emma kept her fishing pole handy to catch “the big one.” She loved fishing throughout her years. During the wheat farming and cattle ranching in Kahlotus, Hans and Emma’s two daughters were born. In 1960 they moved to Moses Lake where they operated their cattle and hay farm. They also obtained their Real Estate Brokers licenses during this time. In 1967 they moved to Spokane and made the Valley their home. Emma was Top Salesperson on several occasions at Dave Jones Realty and James S. Black. The yearly trips to the Oregon Coast and time spent at their cabin on Coeur d’Alene Lake were memorable occasions enjoyed with family and friends. Emma loved garage saling. She started back in the 60’s and never gave up. She would even have the girls at Sullivan Park Assisted Living push her in her wheelchair if she saw a sale in her neighborhood! She loved attending her grandchildren’s sports events and attended her great granddaughter’s last softball game at U-High. Emma is survived by daughters Barbara (Kirby) Irvin and Mary (Brooke) Frederick; grandchildren Heather (Doug) Bender, Melissa (Josh) Taylor, Deerdra (Curt) Bash, Capt. Cameron Frederick, and Brandt Frederick; great-grandchildren Clay Click, Hannah Click, Landon Bash, and AndiAnne Bash. The families want to thank Sullivan Park Assisted Living for their kindness, support and care of our Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, and to the Hospice House of Spokane South. God bless you. Emma’s wishes were, any day after 5 pm, lift your glass and toast with her! At her request no services will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of Spokane South.
