Obituary of Carl W. Harder

Carl "Mike" Harder, 80, passed away unexpectedly in LaBelle, FL on December 19, 2023. He was predeceased by his parents, Gus and Hazel Harder; his in-laws, Jean and John McMahon; his sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Richard Mason; sister Janet Rauschmeier; and brothers-in-law, Donald Cook, Bill Mooney and Don Rauschmeier. Mike is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Pat; his sister Beverly Cook; his sister-in-law Judy Mooney and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and many amazing friends. Mike retired from IBM after 30 years of service. Soon after, he purchased a carpet and tile business and became involved in building homes in the Elmira area. Throughout his years, he constructed and managed many rental properties throughout New York, including Hickory Estates in Owego, NY. Mike was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, boating, snowmobiling and ATV riding. Over the years, he and Pat owned numerous dogs, including his faithful canine companion, Elkie. Mike was one of the 5 visionaries who started the Union Volunteer Emergency Squad (UVES) and served as the first Captain and was a lifelong member. He received the Service to Mankind award by the Endicott Sertoma Club for significant and meritorious service. He also served as a councilman for the Town of Union for 4 years. Not one to be content with being idle, Mike started ATV Special Events which promoted ATV drag races. He organized races at fairs throughout New York and Pennsylvania. In 2005 Mike and Pat purchased property at Riverbend Motor Coach Resort in LaBelle, FL where he served on the Board of Directors for six years. He continued with his passion for residential and commercial development in the LaBelle area. In 2021, he established LaBelle Entertainment and schedules tribute performers for the Hendry County area. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Hendry County Ambulance Service. We would also like to express our gratitude to longtime friends, Dave and Deb Hebert for their continuous support and compassion during this difficult time. The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 11th from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Coleman and Daniels Funeral Home, 300 East Main Street, Endicott, NY. Entombment will follow at Riverhurst Cemetery, Endwell, NY. A celebration of life has been scheduled for Sunday, February 18, 2024 from 2pm to 4:30pm @ The Venue at Mudge Ranch, 1323 Loblolly Bay Road, LaBelle, FL. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Mike's memory to UVES, 8 South Avenue B, Endwell, NY 13760, Mercy House of the Southern Tier, 212 North McKinley Ave., Endicott, NY 13760, or Caloosa Humane Society, 1200 Pratt Blvd., LaBelle, FL 33935.