Kim Hardin

Jon “Kim” Hardin, 79, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away Friday, January 26, 2024, at Nano Nagle Village, Aberdeen.

A Celebration of Life Party in true Kim fashion will start at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 5, 2024, at Schriver’s Memorial Fellowship Center. Casual dress is preferred.

In lieu of flowers, Kim’s family prefers memorials to be sent to 414 5th Ave NW, Aberdeen, to be dedicated to the Nano Nagle Hospice Project.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary & Crematory, 414 5th Ave NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com

Jon “Kim” K. Hardin was born on April 15, 1944, to Donald and Loretta (Artz) Hardin in Aberdeen, SD. Kim worked at the Pickerel Lake Lodge in fifth and sixth grade until he started working for his dad in seventh grade, starting his career as a second-generation photographer. He spent his childhood in Aberdeen and attended Sacred Heart Parochial School, Monroe Jr High, and graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1962. He enlisted in the National Guard in 1966 and was honorably discharged in 1972.

Kim met the love of his life, Carol “Jeanne” Haberman, at a dance in Columbia, SD, and they were united in marriage on September 28, 1963. Two children were born into this union: Joel and Todd. Kim and Jeanne created a beautiful life together, living in various locations in Aberdeen while owning and operating Hardin’s Photography for 53 years until retirement. They moved to Mina Lake in 1992 and Kim was known as “the legend of Mina.” It was Kim’s genius idea to make the Mina water tower look like a bobber.

When he wasn’t working, Kim stayed involved in many hobbies and organizations. In 2000, he was honored as Aberdeen’s notorious “Frosty.” He was honored with a national award for photography in South Dakota and even photographed Governor George Mickelson. He was the President of the SDPPA, enjoyed tinkering in the garage, and was a licensed pilot.

Kim enjoyed fishing, hunting, spending time at his cabin in Akaska and making memories with his wife. He loved mowing and yard work and was an excellent piano player, too. Kim was known as the “King of Gadgets” and always kept an eye out for a new toy. Specifically, he was always looking for what he called “the answer boat.”

Grateful and honored to share Kim’s life are his wife, Jeanne, of over 60 years; sons, Joel (Nikki) Hardin and Todd (Kerri) Hardin; and three grandchildren, Haylee Hardin, Sierra Hardin, and Carolyn Hardin.

Preceding Kim in death are his parents and four siblings: Donna, Joan, Gary, and Carol Hardin.