LUCAS D. HARDER

LUCAS D. HARDER

     Lucas D. Harder, 39, of Neillsville, WI, died Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

     Lucas Daniel Harder was born Aug. 17, 1984, in Marshfield, WI, the son of Grant and Darla (Schmitz) Harder.  He attended St. John’s School and Neillsville High School, graduating in 2003. He worked for Jeff Strangfeld during high school, and then went into a long career of construction. Luke worked for the Coverall Corporation of Marshfield, WI, and eventually started his own company, Harder Built. He built vinyl and steel buildings all across the country, including Hawaii. Luke built casinos, hockey arenas, basketball courts and airplane hangars. He had the opportunity to work for George Strait, and George graciously gave him an autographed guitar. Over the years, Luke’s brothers and his dad all worked with him at one point or another.  

     Luke had many hobbies, including gun collecting, hunting, fishing and redoing cars. He sponsored the Harder Built softball team every year for the past 16 years.  Luke was known for his elaborate gift-giving. He always put a lot of thought into his gifts, and he was always there for his friends and family. What he loved the most was spending time with his children, especially camping.  

     Luke is survived by his parents, Grant and Darla; his children, Dayton, Daisy and Lily; his siblings, Rachel (Robert) Lilly of Eau Claire, WI, Joe (Kayla) Harder, Sam (Alexis) Harder and David (Malory) Harder, all of Neillsville. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, his godson, Henry, Adaline, Alaia, Annavae; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

     He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lamar and Thelma Schmitz and Rene and Joan Harder; an uncle, Daniel Schmitz; and many friends.

     A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 2024, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Neillsville. Pastor Timothy Biebert officiated. Visitation was held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2024, at the Gesche Funeral Home and again Saturday morning from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. Interment was in Marie Louise Chapel Cemetery.

     Serving as casketbearers were Brad Boon, Jonathan Anding, Chad Potts, Kristopher “Crockett” Dumler, Adam Davel and Derec Westbay.

     Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

     Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Luke’s family with funeral arrangements.