Fred Haar dies at 89
Freeman Courier: Jan 24, 1946
Another of the few remaining early pioneers of this community was taken when Hon. Fred Haar died on Saturday at the age of 89 years.
Mr. Haar came to this territory from Russia over 75 years ago. Those were the days of sod-houses and ox carts. Sixty-three years ago he bought out a hardware and implement business, one of the few business places in Freeman at that time. Thus was established the Fred Haar Implement business which is still here today.
When a man’s heart stops beating, when the warmth of his body is gone and his eyes are closed in eternal sleep, we say he is dead but a poet says great men never die because their works live after them and become an inspiration of their fellow men long after.
It would surprise you to know how many people came to Mr. Haar for advice and his advice will be remembered even after he is gone. He was one of the leading men in this part of the state for over half a century. He was honest and people knew it and confided in him.
More than 50 years ago a farmer northwest of town came in for repairs and because of a thunderstorm Mr. Haar took him home overnight. In the morning at breakfast Mr. Haar read a few verses and prayed. The farmer went home and told his family that this devotion so impressed him that from now on it will be their program too. And it was.