Charles Harding

Charles Harding, age 88 of Mankato, Minnesota, formerly of Blanchardville, died Monday, April 18, 2011 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. He was born on December 5, 1922 in Luverne, MN to William and Oella (Cragne) Harding. After graduating high school in DeKalb, Illinois, he served in the Air Force from 1944 to 1946. On September 20, 1946 he married Elizabeth Holderness in DeKalb, IL. She passed away in 1984. On May 25, 1991 he married Mardell Glaser at Lake Washington, Minnesota. Charles was a farmer in Blanchardville, WI for many years. In his leisure time he enjoyed fishing, playing cards, reading and doing crossword puzzles. He was a member of the American Legion Post #510 and the Moose Lodge. Charles is survived by his wife, Mardell Harding; son, Charles (Susan) Harding of Elgin, IL; daughters, Karen Harding of Appleton, WI, and Kathleen Rakow of Lone Rock, WI; grandchildren, Kimberly Ashby, Cynthia Rafkind, Amy Rakow Smith, and Tim Rakow; great grandchildren, Ryder Ashby, Griffyn Ashby, and Ginger Rafkind. He was preceded in death by his 1st wife, Elizabeth, son. Thomas Harding, and two brothers, Warren and William Harding. A prayer service for family and friends will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 22 at Woodland Hills Funeral Home in Mankato, Minnesota. A memorial service will also be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 11:00 AM at the Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville. Rev. Craig Conklin of the United Methodist Church of Blanchardville is assisting the family. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery in Blanchardville. The Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville is assisting the family with Wisconsin arrangements. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralhome.com.