Karl E. Hemerly, 82, fromBreinigs-ville, died unexpectedly on Aug. 3, in St. Luke's Hospital, Bethlehem.

He was the widower of Evelyn J. (Mickley) Hemerly who died in 2005.

Born in Lynn Township, he was a son of the late John and Mary ( Fister) Hemerly.

He was a welder for the former Bethlehem Steel Corp. from 1967 until retiring in 1991.

He served his country faithfully and honorably with the U.S. Army, during the Korean War.

He was of the Protestant faith.

He was a life member of the VFW Post 7293, Egypt, American Legion Post 314, Lehighton, and the Lynnport Fire Company.

His survivors include a son Randy K. of Moores-town; stepson, Mark A. Meckes and his wife, Edie, of Wescosville; sister Eva J. Kunkel of Kempton; step-grandchildren Nicole and Tiffany Meckes; his longtime companion Irene P. Schock of Lehighton; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a sister Anna Blose and brothers Earl, John and Terry.

His funeral service will be 11 a.m. Sept. 4, in Nester Funeral Home, 8405 Kings Highway, Jacksonville, Lynn Township with the Rev. Greg Wollenhaupt officiating. Calling 10-11 a.m. Thursday.

Condolences may be recorded at nesterfuneralhome.com.

Interment in Jeru-salem "Red" Church Cemetery, Kempton,