Remembering Ed Harder
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ed Harder, a cherished member of the Silver Lake community. Ed, a devoted Silver Laker, left an indelible mark on our camp through his leadership, dedication, and tireless volunteer efforts.
Ed’s journey with Silver Lake spanned decades. He was on summer staff in the early 1970s, which included leading the CILT program with his wife Jo-Anne. Through the 1990s, Ed served on the Board of Directors, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of our camp. His hands-on approach was evident in the construction of the volunteer cabins and staff cabins that are still used today.
Former Executive Director Dave Erb fondly recalls Ed’s instrumental role in planning the reconstruction of our new dining hall after the old one was destroyed in a fire. Ed’s vision and meticulous planning were also crucial in the development of the new cabins on the north side of camp. His contributions have created lasting memories and spaces for future generations of campers.
Ed’s love for SLMC has been passed down to his daughters Rachel, a strong supporter of Silver Lake, and Rebecca (Heide), who works as a year-round staff member with the administration team. His grandsons Nick, Noah, Kieran, and Adam are all on summer staff, while his youngest grandson Toby is a CILT II this year.
In May of 2023, Ed was able to visit Silver Lake for the last time. He toured around camp and inspected every single building on site to make sure they were all holding up okay!
To honor Ed Harder’s legacy and his lifelong dedication to Silver Lake, donations can be made in his memory through the Ed Harder Memorial Fund. Your contributions will continue Ed’s mission of enhancing and nurturing the camp he loved so dearly.
Click here to make a donation.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ed’s family and all who were touched by his remarkable spirit. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the heart of Silver Lake.
Here is the link to Ed’s obituary to see visitation and service details.
