Harley G. Guthard

Harley G. Guthard, 82 of Cedar Rapids, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Society in Albion, NE. 

Memorial services will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, at Levander Funeral Home in Albion, with Pastor Lynde Linde officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date at the Main Cemetery in Belgrade. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. at Levander Funeral Home in Albion.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.levanderfuneralhome.com. 

Harley George Guthard, son of Edward H. and Thelma J. (Eggert) Guthard, was born on Jan. 20, 1943, in North Platte. He was baptized on April 1, 1945, at First Lutheran Church in North Platte. Harley attended Boone County District #43 in rural Cedar Rapids. When his father contracted polio, Harley and his brother Ted stepped up to manage the farming responsibilities.

On Sept. 18, 1971, Harley was united in marriage to Vernette J. Pratt at the United Methodist Church in Wolbach. The couple made their home on the Guthard family farm near Cedar Rapids, where they raised their two daughters. Harley enjoyed the simple life of farming, especially working with his hands to cultivate and care for the land.

Harley was a member of the United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids. His greatest joy was being on a tractor or combine. He also enjoyed visiting with neighbors and friends at the C-Store in Cedar Rapids. Harley will be remembered for his strong work ethic, love of farming, and devotion to his family and community.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Vernette Guthard of Cedar Rapids; two daughters, Cindy (Allen) Duerksen of Central City and Jane (Kent) Beierman of Cedar Rapids; seven grandchildren, Kaylie (Kade) Leetch of Albion, Justin (Morgan) Beierman of Raeville, Taylor Beierman of Cedar Rapids, Alyssa Young of Gilbert, Ariz., Rylie Young of Tempe, Ariz., Callyn Duerksen of Central City and Adelyn Duerksen of Central City; five great-grandchildren, Ava, Sophie and Tyley Leetch of Albion, and Henry and Parker Beierman of Raeville; sister, Evelyn Gadeken of Lincoln; sisters-in-law, Marlyne Guthard of Newman Grove; Insun Pratt of Thornton, Colo.; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; parents-in-law, Clifford and Edith Pratt; infant sister, Janice Guthard; brother, Ted Guthard; half-sister, Ramona Howard; brothers-in-law, Dean Gadeken, Edward Pratt and Francis Bruna; sister-in-law, Wilma Bruna; and nephew, Marvin Pratt.