Richard L. Haarer

Richard L. Haarer 66, of Goshen, died Wednesday evening, January 30, 2013, at Eastlake Nursing and Rehab Center, Elkhart. He was born May 16, 1946 in Sturgis, Mich., to Aldine and Irma (Lantz) Haarer. On May 15, 1971 in Columbia City he married Patricia Parks, who Richard lovingly called "Pepper" throughout their marriage. She survives. Also surviving is his mother and stepfather, Irma and Ezra Graber; a daughter, Anita (Ty) Palmer, of Goshen; two grandchildren, Reece and Jaxon; two brothers, James (Sharon) Haarer, of Goshen, Dennis (Joyce) Haarer, of Hillsdale, Mich.; two step-brothers, Don Graber, of Constantine, Mich., Merlin Graber, of Plant City, Fla.; and two step-sisters, Wanda (Wayne) Bontrager, of Goshen, and Judy Eash, of Holland, Mich. He was preceded in death by his father and infant son, Ricky Brian Haarer. A lifelong area resident, he owned and operated Haarer's Cleaning Service for more than 10 years. He was active with the Gideon's Elkhart Co. North Camp and a member of the NRA. Richard attended Calvary Assembly of God and First Assembly of God where he was involved with the men's ministry, bus ministry and taught Sunday school. He enjoyed riding his Goldwing, but his greatest pleasure came from being with his grandchildren. The family would like to acknowledge the consistent presence of Pastor Dwight Gosser, New Life Christian Center, Bristol, towards the end of Richard's life. Friends may call Monday, February 4, 2013, 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, where a Tuesday, February 5, 2013, 10 a.m. funeral service will be held. His brother, Pastor Dennis Haarer and Pastor Dwight Gosser will officiate. Burial will follow at Shore Mennonite Cemetery, Shipshewana. Memorial contributions may be made to US Missions, 300 E Roosevelt Rd., Little Rock, Ark.