Reverend Michael S. Harding, 73, died Thursday morning, July 15, 2021 at Honor Health Deer Valley Medical Center. He was a retired Pastor for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod - Pacific Southwest District.
Michael was born September 21, 1947 in Lockport, Illinois, the son of Gerald and Virginia (Bethard) Harding. He married Brenda J. Cherry on July 12, 1967 in El Cajon, California.
Survivors include his wife, Brenda; one son, Ty of Phoenix. Two grandchildren, Christian (Casey) of Dorchester, Ma.; Maegan (Mike) of Overgaard, Az. Two great-grandchildren; Ali-Ray; Josephine. Brothers, Gary Harding of Hagerstown, Md; Gerald "Gus" Harding of Phoenix, Az; Timothy Harding of Joliet, Il.; and a sister, Carrie Ann Miklovich.
A graduate of Joliet Central High School, Joliet, Il. After his graduation from High School, he enlisted in the Navy in San Diego, serving on the USS Mazama an ammunition ship and the USS Klondike a repair ship, completing two tours of duty in Vietnam at the final rank of HIM Boatswain's Mate Third Class. He went on to graduate from Concordia College (CCI), Irvine, Ca. 81' and finished with his Masters of Divinity at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, Mo. 85'.
Michael has served churches for over 36 years including Faith Lutheran, Andrews, Tx; Messiah Lutheran, Plano (Richardson), Tx; Lutheran Church of the Master, Phoenix, Az.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 14, at 10:00 am at Mt Zion Lutheran Church, 8902 W. Deer Valley Road, Peoria, Az 85382. Arrangements entrusted to Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary.