Elaine Harder

Elaine Rupp Harder (December 27, 1947 – September 24, 2013) was an American politician and businesswoman. She served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1995 until 2004 as a member of the Republican Party.

Early life and education
Born in Windom, Minnesota, Harder pursued her higher education at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she received her bachelor's degree.

Career
Harder worked in various roles including a home economics teacher, a sales representative for a printing and office supplies company, and a sales and marketing agent for a family cattle company. Additionally, she served as a 4-H youth development agent with the University of Minnesota Extension Service in Cottonwood County, where she has been involved since her youth.

Political career
In 1995, Harder embarked on her political career when she was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives, where she served until 2004. As a representative, she was known for her contributions to the state legislature as a member of the Republican Party.

Personal life
Harder lived in Jackson, Minnesota where she and her husband, who ran unsuccessfully for the state Senate in 1990, owned and operated an insurance agency. She was a Lutheran and sang in her church choir.

Death
Harder passed away on September 24, 2013, in St. Anthony, Minnesota.