Nils “Ed” Edward Harde

Nils Edward Harde born August 8th 1949 - went to be with his Lord December 3rd 2021. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Margaret (Hellman) Harde of Akley PA, and Sister Elsa (Boxall) Harde of Rochester, NY.

Ed was a master of living life. As a military veteran, business owner, mechanic, contractor, volunteer fireman, equipment operator, sportsman, boater, and motorcycle rider he lived every day to the fullest.

Devoted husband, Ed is survived by his wife of 40 years Janice Harde of Spring City TN whom which he married at Fluvanna Community Church August 1st 1981. Ed and Jan enjoyed raising and showed Arabian Horses at Rhapsody Estates in Russell, PA which he and his wife built with their own hands.

Ed was a Vietnam War Veteran proudly serving in the US Air Force from 1967 to 1975. Staff Sergeant Harde was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service upon his discharge.

Ed owned and operated the Venturetown Arco Fuel Station in North Warren, PA in the 1980’s, until high rents forced his station to close. A true automotive enthusiast, there was nothing Ed couldn’t fix and spent his life polishing the blue oval.

Ed was a Ford Motor Company Senior Master Mechanic with whom he spent the majority of his career. A tireless worker and aspiring entrepreneur, he spent his night and weekends drilling water wells part time for his family as Edward Harde Water Well Drilling.

In 2004 he and Jan started their next adventure and moved to Watts Bar Lake in TN where they made their home. In Spring City, Ed worked in propane sales, service and delivery as well as maintenance for a local rehabilitation facility and the USPS. However his passion was working in his home workshop repairing vehicles, boats, and equipment for his friends, family and neighbors.

Ed served his community as a Certified Volunteer Firefighter and Captain of the Pine Grove Volunteer Fire Department from 2007 until retiring with Lifetime Achievement honors.

A celebration of life will be held in the Spring at a location to be determined. Interment will be at Hale Cemetery in Akley Pennsylvania at a date of the family’s convenience. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either the Pine Grove Volunteer Fire Department, 314 Euchee Chapel Road, Spring City, TN  37381 or Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road SW, Lilburn, GA 30047 in Ed’s memory.

Vaughn Funeral Home, Spring City is in charge of arrangements.  Please visit our website at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com to share memories and condolences with the family of Ed Harde.