Roger Franklin Harter, 73
Roger Harter, "our Miracle Man, is celebrating his victory over pain and these earthly bonds. He went to live with the Lord" on Oct. 22, 2008. Roger had fought a courageous battle with cancer. His family helped and cared for him as best they were able. A gentle spirit and great love for his family and fellow man came through in all his treatments and trials. The knowledge of his salvation gave him strength throughout his life. His last concern was about his wife, Jean, of 52 years.
Roger Franklin Harter was born Feb. 17, 1935, to Frank and Helen (Kressman) Harter, in Bridgewater, S.D. Roger was a farm boy from a German Lutheran heritage. He grew up on the family homestead with his brother Noel, where he learned the values of hard work and family devotion that he held dear his entire life. Hunting rabbits and exploring were his favorite pastimes. He attended Bridgewater High School, where he was active in the FFA program and achieved the honor of State Farmer. The graduating class of 1953 boasted 13 students, including Roger.
Roger married his wife, Jean, on July 13, 1956, in Sioux Falls, S.D. They started their life together in the Black Hills. Roger worked for the Homestake Gold Mine. God blessed them with five children. Then he took on another challenge, and attended Black Hills College during the day and worked underground at Homestake at night, all the while being a wonderful husband and daddy.
Roger graduated from Black Hills College in 1969. After he received his teaching degree, the family moved to Kalispell.
Roger was a very special teacher for the special education department of Kalispell Junior High and Flathead High schools. His patience and acceptance were a blessing to all he taught and others with whom he worked.
Roger was a craftsman. He was a skilled carpenter and did many odd jobs around the valley. He built pine furniture and toys as he retired, leaving behind a legacy in wood for those lucky enough to have one of his "projects." He never gave up his love of the land and had a garden for as long as he was able.
A trip to the woods, whether for hunting or wood gathering, was a great day. He loved to go ice fishing on a beautiful Montana winter day. Roger never put off what could be done now and was busy every minute of the day.
No one knew more than his family how special he was. Even when the "kids" had kids he was always Dad when needed. There couldn't be a better husband and father and grandpa than Roger. We thank the Lord for Roger's time with us and know he is "walking streets of gold until we are reunited once again."
Roger is survived by his wife, Jean, at the family home; his daughter, Cindy, and husband, Allen Bardwell, of Kalispell; daughter, Terry Harter, of Kalispell; son, David Harter, of Kalispell; daughter, Susan, and husband, Gary Giberson, of Wichita, Kan.; and son, Donald Harter, of Everett, Wash. He also is survived by grandson, Orion Bras, of Tacoma, Wash.; granddaughters, Kelcie, Stephanie and Jenna Giberson, of Wichita; and grandson, Casey, and granddaughter, Alexandria Bardwell, of Kalispell. His brother, Noel Harter, is in Bridgewater. He also is survived by his sisters-in-law, Lorraine Schmidt, and Sharon and husband, Duke Locas; brother-in-law, Gary Zahrenhusen; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
No services are planned at this time.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Roger's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Roger's guest book.