Jane M. Harders

Jane M. Harders, age 91 of Roseau, and formerly of Greenbush, MN, passed away on June 18, 2015 at LifeCare Roseau Manor.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be on 10:30 AM Saturday, July 25, 2015 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Greenbush.  A Visiation/wake will be Friday the 24th from 5-7 PM with a 7:00 prayer service at Helgeson Funeral Home in Roseau.  Interment will be at the Blessed Sacrament Cemetery.

Jane Marie Harders passed away peacefully on June 18, 2015 at LifeCare Roseau Manor at the age of 91.

Jane was born on September 8, 1923 in Mason, Wisconsin to Carrie (Van Berkom) and Benjamin Ahrens.  As a small child, she moved with her family to Winona, Minnesota and later graduated from Winona High School in 1941.  She worked as a secretary before marrying Robert “Buzz” Harders on July 5, 1946 in Winona.  They moved to Greenbush, MN for Buzz’s teaching job in 1949.  Jane worked as a nurse’s aide for several years after her family was grown.

Family was Jane’s life. She developed holiday traditions for her family which have been passed down to future generations. These include ice cream pails of cookies, new jigsaw puzzles, games of hand-and-foot or family pinochle tournaments. She kept her competitive edge by working crosswords puzzles and playing board games – to win.

Jane’s coffee pot (egg coffee) was always on and her kitchen was a neighborhood gathering spot where her fresh-baked cinnamon rolls and tea rings seemed to just multiply. However, the kitchen may be closed when it was time for bowling league, golf league, bridge club or poker night.

Jane was very active in her community. She volunteered at her church in several capacities, including teaching religious education for 40 years. She participated in fundraising projects and supported organizations such as the American Legion Auxiliary, Girl Scouts, Golf Association and the PTA. Her upbeat and spunky personality continues to inspire her children and her adoring grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Lynnette Mullins of Crookston, Patricia (Edwin) Haugen of Berthold, ND, Robert Jr. (Kay) Harders of San Jose, CA, Deborah (Bob) Novotny of Rosemount, MN and Gwynne (Ian) Roadfeldt of Roseau; 16 grandchildren, Jen, Juli, Jesi, Kristen, Steve, Carin, Brian, Charli, Amy, Alisa, Bobby, Carrie, Ericka, Traci, Sue and Matt; 28 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy (Jack) Bittner; brother, Sonny (JoAnn) Ahrens; sister-in-law, Pat Ahrens and brother-in-law, Red Zeches.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert “Buzz” in 2009; siblings, Dick (Helen), Bob (Dot), Donna Zeches and Jim; and son-in-law, Dick Mullins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2015 at 10:30 AM at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Greenbush.  A visitation/wake will be on Friday evening from 5-7 PM with a 7:00 prayer service at Helgeson Funeral Home in Roseau.  Interment will be at the Blessed Sacrament Cemetery.

 Service Information