George Everhart Harding

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Harding, George Everhart June 24, 1923 Sept. 24, 2016 George Everhart Harding, the oldest of three siblings, was born June 24, 1923 to Bertha Fornfeist Harding and Dr. Everhart P. Harding. George grew up in the Prospect Park neighborhood of Minneapolis attending Sidney Pratt Elementary School and Marshall University High School. His college education at the University of Minnesota was interrupted when he enlisted in the US Navy during World War II. He continued his education at the naval training center at Illinois Teachers College in Normal Illinois (now Illinois State University) where he played basketball for the Redbirds for one year. As a commissioned Lieutenant he was transferred to a naval base in Connecticut where he oversaw the basic orientation of medical doctors entering naval service. Later he became one of the first instructors of the then new radar technology. His final naval assignment was patrolling the South American coast. He returned to the University of Minnesota to finish his undergraduate degree, spending the summer of 1947 in London studying economics through the University's Student Project for Amity among Nations program. Following graduation he entered the University of Minnesota Law School. It was at a SPAN gathering that George met Ruth Wolkerstorfer. They were married on April 15, 1950 at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church in St. Paul. The following fall they moved to New York City where George pursued a fellowship in food and drug law. They returned to Minneapolis in the summer of 1951 where George was employed by Faegre and Benson and became a partner, led the firm's pension and profit sharing division, and was one of the Midwest's noted experts in his field. He retired from the firm in 1993. George and Ruth had four children; Katherine Harding of Oglesby IL, Barbara Harding Cummins (Tom) of Golden Valley, MN, Gregory Harding (deceased) (Windrati) and David Harding (Carol) of Huntingtown Maryland. Ruth preceded George in death on December 11, 1981. On September 26, 1987 George married Kathryn M. Cowgill, with whom he had reconnected at a high school reunion. She preceded him in death Feb. 5, 2006. His sisters Louise Paul (Phil) and Helen Doeringsfeld (Karl) also preceded him in death. George is survived by three of his children, 7 grandchildren; Tony Cummins (Jana, deceased), Andy Cummins (Tori), Matt Cummins, Adrian Harding, Alia Harding, Kelsey Harding and Ashlyn Harding, brother-in-law Terry Wolkerstorfer (Susan), as well as numerous nieces and nephews and Katy's step daughter, Karen Cowgill. He was incredibly blessed during the last two years to have the care and assistance of Valerie and Terilyn, who truly became part of our family. George was a member of Prospect Park United Methodist Church where he served as a trustee for many years. He was a member of the YMCA's Y's Men who sold Christmas trees to support Camp Christmas Tree. He was also a member of Delta Theta Phi, a legal fraternity, a longtime member of the Minneapolis Athletic Club where he played volleyball, and a golfing member of Interlachen County Club. At his most recent residence, Walker Place, he served on several resident committees. George was a lifelong learner who read widely, enjoyed photography and travel, and went on several Elderhostel trips. He liked games and activities that exercised his brain: cribbage, bridge, crossword puzzles and the Isaac Asimov quizzes in the newspaper. For lighter entertainment he liked mysteries. Perry Mason, and the authors Tony Hillerman and Mary Higgins Clark were among his favorites. The lakes and parks in Minneapolis were among his favorite places, especially the Rose Garden and Peace Garden. He appreciated many kinds of music; Dixieland Jazz was a favorite. He was also a big fan of the Gophers, Twins, Vikings and Timberwolves and he enjoyed watching golf on television. Favorite foods included: ice cream, blackberry pie and dark chocolate. George was widely respected for his integrity, his devotion to his family, his kindness to and respect for others, and his service to community and individuals. He will be deeply missed by many. Visitation will be at Washburn McReavy Funeral home , 2301 Dupont Ave S. in Minneapolis, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 28th. Funeral services will be held at Walker Methodist Chapel, 3701 Bryant Ave South on Thursday, September 29 at 10:30 A.M., with visitation at the chapel from 9:30 to 10:30. Interment will be at Lakewood Cemetery. Memorials can be made to: Walker Methodist Fitness Center, Prospect Park United Methodist Church or the UNICEF K.I.N.D Fund which provides desks and scholarships to students in Malawi. Washburn-McReavy.com Davies Chapel 612-377-2203

Published on September 27, 2016