Judith Ann Harder

Judy Harder, 86, of Albion, NE passed away Saturday, January 3, 2026 at the Boone County Health Center in Albion.

Visitation will be 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Levander Funeral Home in Albion, NE. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church in Albion, NE with Rev. Carolann Hopcke officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.levanderfuneralhome.com

Judith Ann Harder, daughter of Sever O. and Martha I. (Haas) Johnson, was born August 24, 1939, in Grand Island, Nebraska. She was baptized on October 22, 1939, and confirmed on May 24, 1953, at Zion Lutheran Church in Albion, Nebraska, where she and her parents were lifelong members.

Judith attended elementary school at Districts #74 and #35 south of Albion before graduating from Albion High School with the Class of 1957. She attended Dana College earning her teaching degree in 1962.

On August 4, 1963, Judith was united in marriage to Robert Duane Harder at Zion Lutheran Church in Albion. The couple made their home on a small farm and raised two children, Sharon and Benjamin. Judith taught second grade at Albion Public School until her retirement in 2003. She made a difference in many lives with her care and attention to her students, community, and family.

Music was a core part of Judith's life in how she expressed her love for others and the Lord. She sang for many years in the church choir, directed the Junior Choir, played in the Bell Choir, and was a member of the Albion Music Club. She particularly loved singing for special events alongside her sister, Catherine. Judith even travelled to New York once to sing in a competition.

In addition to music, Judith enjoyed gardening, birdwatching, sewing, baking, and making time to share coffee with family and friends. Judith also loved nature and animals. The family went on many adventures together including camping, fishing, and waterskiing.

Judith is survived by family and friends who will miss her deeply.

Her children: Sharon and husband Frank McElvain of Morgan Hill, CA, and Benjamin Harder of Columbus, NE.

Her three grandchildren: Emma McElvain of Colorado Springs, CO, Ethan McElvain of San Jose, CA, and Sarah Harder of Omaha, NE.

Her siblings: Catherine Wright of Albion, and Don and wife Claudia Johnson of Albion.

Her extended relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert in 2012, and brother-in-law Brian Wright.