Class of 1981. My sincerest condolences. I met Mr Harder at the MUHS summer school program that I attended between 6th and 7th grades. He’s the reason I attended MUHS. He encouraged me to apply but I didn’t think it was possible because we couldn’t afford the tuition. He told me about the work study program to cover the tuition. Without attending MUHS, I wouldn’t be the person that I’m today and I am indebted to Mr. Harder for his guidance and confidence in me. He was my guardian angel for 4 years at MUHS. Just seeing him in math class or passing in the hallway, his presence made me feel secure and I knew I belonged. Thank you Mr Harder.
~ Fredric McClendon,
Oak Park, IL
Mr. Harder was one of my favorite teachers at Marquette. His sense of humor kept you on your toes. He had a great ability to connect with students. I always felt valued when speaking with Mr. Harder. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
~ David Frank,
Germantown, WI
Prayers to the entire family. I have two people that I considered formidable mentors that made me who I am today. One was my grandfather and the other was Mr Harder my math teacher and later my guidance counselor at MUHS. I was used to making excuses for everything and Mr Harder did not let me get away with it. He would simply smile and help me to take accountability. I appreciated that as my teacher and later requested him to be my guidance counselor for the balance of my time at MUHS. I also spent much time in the summer up north. My family had a cottage on Waubee Lake and after high school used to camp at boot lake on Memorial Day weekends. It must have been teacher retreat weekend as several MUHS teachers were there when stopping in for a visit. I don’t remember how I learned about the place on Big Horn Lake but we were welcomed when we dropped in to say hello. One of my regrets in life was always meaning to but never letting Doug know how important he was in shaping who I was to become. RIP
~ Jim Silbernagel ,
Campbellsport , WI
Such a kind and caring person, Mr. Harder provided the model of what a great teacher is that I tried to follow in my own teaching career.
~ Jeannie McGowan Tyszka,
Franklin, WI
A great teacher and a awesome coach. Thanks for your dedication to SJC.
~ Mike Z SJC '73,
Menomonee Falls, WI
The Cathedral class of 1970 met Doug when he arrived as a student math teacher. We loved him and gave him fits as well,I'm sure. When we heard that Doug & Carol were engaged,we had a wedding shower in a 1st floor classroom and had pizzas delivered through the first floor classroom window.I had the cherished privilege of getting to know Doug & Carol on a person level when I was directing a retreat weekend and they agreed to be the married couple with us for that weekend with 25 squirrels teenagers. Their sharing about love and marriage and Christian values was real and moving and touched the hearts of those young people searching for their souls at a trying time of life. Love, many fond memories and blessings to you,Carol,and your family.
~ Susie(Jakubowski)Marner,
Aurora, CO
Class of 1989. I first met Mr Harder in the summer program offered to gifted inner city youth. He was an excellent teacher and a great person. He influenced many people for the better in his time as a teacher, and I am sure in his personal life too.
~ S. Murphy,
., TX
I was one of the thousands of boys Mr. Harder taught, coached and inspired. He was an excellent teacher and a very good man.
The obituary does not mention that Mr. Harder also coached sophomore football with Luigi Schmitt. In 1979, I was a marginally athletic sophomore who made the team. The school did not have a sufficiently large helmet, so they had one specially ordered. Coach Harder drove me to pick it up. During the rather long drive, he shared a lot about life and being a good man. It has been over 46 years, and I remember it like it was yesterday. He had a lasting impact.
The Harder family and Mr. Harder are in my prayers.
(MUHS '81)
~ John Wirth,
Deerbrook, WI
My sincerest condolences to your family. I had the pleasure of having Mr. Harder for one of my math classes at Marquette High. He was a wonderful teacher and kind man. A smart but humble guy who always had a smile on his face. All the best to your family during this difficult time.
~ Dan King,
Newington, CT
Doug was a wonderful teacher and a wonderful man. I can truly say that most of what I learned about logical thinking and writing, I learned in his Geometry class. Requiescat in pace.
~ John Manning,
Milwaukee, WI
