William Nordt, co-owner of Bellmawr company

William E. Nordt Jr., 83, of Mount Ephraim, a member of the board of education there for 11 years in the 1960s and early 1970s, died Saturday, Feb. 8, at Virtua Voorhees medical center following a heart attack.

Mr. Nordt and his wife, Dolores, owned and operated what is now Nordt Precision Metal Manufacturing in Bellmawr for 50 years.

Born in Camden, he graduated from Audubon High School in 1948 and served as an Army officer, teaching chemical warfare at stateside bases.

He retired in 1974 as a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve, after earning an Army Commendation Medal.

Mr. Nordt was a tool and die maker for Radio Corp. of America in Camden after his active military duty and, after being laid off by that firm, started his own business in partnership with his wife.

"My parents bought their first engraving machine and started their business in their garage in Mount Ephraim" in 1964, a daughter, Diana Lucia, said.

The business began as Nordt Engraving Co. and expanded over the years, she said.

Mr. Nordt was a 32d-degree Mason for 46 years.

Since the 1970s, his daughter said, "a big part of my dad's life" had been fishing on his boat off Cape May.

Besides his wife of 61 years, and his daughter Diana, Mr. Nordt is survived by son William E. III, daughter Lori, a brother, and five grandchildren.

A viewing was set from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, at the Gardner Funeral Home, 126 S. Black Horse Pike, Runnemede, before a 1 p.m. funeral service there. Interment will be in Harleigh Cemetery in Camden.

Donations may be made to a charity of one's choice.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.gardnerfuneralhome.com.