Ormond R. Mesker, 85, died peacefully in his sleep Nov. 28, 2016, in the Lutheran Home at Topton.

Born Nov. 4, 1931, in Maplewood, N.J., he was the son of the late Ormond W. Mesker and L. Pauline Boright.

He grew up in Springfield, N.J., where he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves while still in high school in 1947.

Called to active duty in September 1950, he bravely fought in the Korean Conflict in the 1st Marine Division attached to the 21st infantry battalion in the Chosin Reservoir.

One of the “Frozen Chosen,” he was wounded in action and awarded a Purple Heart.

He retired in 1953 with the rank of corporal. He settled and raised a family in West Amwell, N.J.

Much of his time in the civilian work force was spent as an electronic technician for David Sarnoff Research Center and RCA Astro Electronics Division where he was proud to be part of the “space race” in America.

He also enjoyed volunteering with the Springfield Township, N.J., fire department and the fire brigade for David Sarnoff.

In addition to his wife, Liesel “Trudy” Mesker of Frenchtown, N.J., he is survived by a brother Clint Mesker and wife, MerryGay, of Odessa, Texas; sons Roy Mesker and wife, Kathleen, of Levittown and Steve Mesker and wife, Jennifer, of New Tripoli; grandsons Samuel, Isaiah and Benjamin; and granddaughters Annabel and Charlotte.

His memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Dec. 8 at New Life Evangelical Lutheran Church, 6804 Weiss Road, New Tripoli, with the Rev. Scott W. Lingenfelter officiating.

Arrangements were made by Keller Funeral Homes Inc. Fogelsville.