Kenneth Harger Obituary

Kenneth W Harger , graduated from Earlham College , in Richmond IN , in 1951 . He pastored, briefly, in Richmond, at Bethel AME church, before moving to Detroit, MI, where he taught in the Pontiac, MI school district.

He moved to Alaska in the early 1970's where he taught school in Girdwood (where he was also a volunteer firefighter), Eagle River, Wasilla and retired from the Anchorage school district .

He was an avid runner and cyclist . And in his late 60's was invited to run in a marathon in Japan.

He was a poet, an author and world traveler .

Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife, Colleen Harger. He leaves to celebrate his memory, 2 daughters, Brenda Harger and Deborah Waters, son, Nelson Harger MD, 5 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and a host of loving family .

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News from Aug. 25 to Aug. 27, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Harger

Sponsored by Jason J. Harmon.

10 Entries

Susan Zinnermon Glosson

October 8, 2022

Mr. Harger was my favorite teacher for several reasons. He made learning very interesting and fun. I had him inthe 3rd, 5th and 6 grade at McConnell Elem. School in Pontiac, Michigan. He was so special to me in the 3rd grade that it was my Dad and Aunt who asked him to break the news to me that my mother had passed Nov. 2, 1960 after battling cancer. I was forunate to have meet and spend time getting to know Mrs. Harger, Brenda, Debrorah and little Nelson. Outstanding Teacher and person.

Desiree Jones

December 16, 2018

Mr. Harger today, after a BSN and MSN, still remains my most inspirational and motivational teacher. I was blessed to have him at Girdwood elementary as my 6th grade teacher. In a challenging time in my life he instilled in me the deep desire to learn and succeed. Through afternoon reading of classic literature I fell in love with all literary works. He believed in me when I said I wanted to be a nurse and made me feel confident and capable. Thank you Mr. Harger and family for touching my life forever. Warm regards, Desiree Jones (Butler)

Katie Ellanna (Wilson)

May 15, 2014

Mr. Harger was my teacher at Fairview Elementary and is still to this day the most memorable teacher I had. I loved having him as a teacher and wish that there were more teachers like him. I was always envious of the other students that got to go to the other classrooms and have other teachers during the day and I was stuck with Mr. Harger the whole day. But he was truly one of the wisest teachers I have had and I will always remember our extra credit spelling word (antidisestablishmentarianism) that was our extra credit until everyone in the class could get it correct. He is truly one of a kind that will be missed by many. I am so happy that I had the privilege to have him as my teacher, and I wanted to say thank you to him for teaching me what I know and instilling in me the longing to learn.

Meagan D.

July 19, 2012

I had Mr. Harger for my 6th grade teacher at Fairview Elementary, Anchorage Ak, 88-89 school year. He was the best teacher I ever had. He encouraged me so much and I too was looking for him in hopes that he was still around so I could say "Thanks!" I remember the shirt he told our class about that said "Here comes Kenneth" on the front and "There goes Kenneth" on the back. He had a good sense of humor, wonderful guy! He also read "Where the Red Fern Grows" to us and I have now read it to my kids.

Jason Harmon

May 17, 2012

Mr. Harger was our Girdwood 5th and 6th grade teacher in the early 80's. He had such an impact on me, in so many ways. He was strict, compassionate, dogmatic in ways that would ultimately shape my life. I had no idea, at the time, that his insistence on no sugar at Halloween in our classroom was actually a good thing. His insistence on extensive projects, like in Paddle to the Sea, would teach me foundational work ethic that led to my scholastic success, all the way through Naturopathic medical school. His discussions on health and exercise and his daily "teas" were early seeds that grew into my desire for seeking my profession. It is so difficult to know that he is no longer with us. I remember in the late 90s, while in my last year at medical school, i had a whim and tracked him down and said "Thank you". Its amazing that i had that opportunity, or took that opportunity. I was doing the same again yesterday and found his obituary. It makes me want to look back and call and connect with all who have touched my life and made me who i am today. One funny anecdote. I remember the time when CJ and I tried to smuggle some "fart" powder into his hot drink after lunch, to no avail. Most of you probably know that you were not allowed to pass gas in his class, you had to leave and go into the hallway. I still remember his scientific explanation for why. I found in the back of some comic that there was fart powder that could be purchased. I remember waiting for the package and the excitement of seeing our plan come to life. Mr Harger with gas!!! He would have to go the hallway!!!. We wanted payback! Didnt he understand that it was "natural"??? Well, it came and then we tried to insert the powder once he left the room after lunch. Ahhh, no. It sat like a lump on top of his hot drink, floating there. It was a disaster. Funny, after all these years. Im sure there are many more eloquent stories that are more appropriate, but he truly changed my life and that will always mean so very much to me. Many blessings to his family. Thank you Mr. Harger!

August 27, 2011

Two of my sons had Mr. Harger for a teacher. He instilled a great desire to learn in them. He told many delightful tall-tales and true-tales of his life. He was also my co-worker at Fairview elementary. He certainly touched many young lives during his teaching career. He was a friend to everyone he met and his kindness will be remembered always. A treasure of a gentleman. God bless his family, prayers to you for the loss of this beloved soul. -mary nibbelink. anchorage

Susan Opalka

August 26, 2011

It was my privilege to teach with Ken at the Girdwood School. We were all sorry to see him leave our community. He was a kind, compassionate teacher and friend, always ready to lend a hand and help his students and neighbors. Ken Harger was one of the most dedicated teachers I have known.

Darcie Shaffer

August 26, 2011

I had Mr. Harger as a teacher when I was in the 6th grade, back in the 70's. In all my years of schooling, he was by far the teacher that made the most impact on me. I remember him as a kind and gentle soul that used to read to us with the most soothing voice. I can still remember when he had us create our own advertisement and taught us a jingle that I can still recite to this very day.

My thoughts to the family...........he was a wonderful man!!!!

Jamie & Berge

August 26, 2011

Our love and prayers to all of you in the loss of your dad and grandpa. Ken and Colleen were such wonderful neighbors. We still miss them and reminisce about them (and our dogs!) often. God Bless.

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