John Sander Harmsen, Sr.

John Sander Harmsen, Sr. age 74 years, of Flemington, NJ, died Wednesday, April 15, 2015, at the VA New Jersey Health Care System, Lyons, NJ. Born May 4, 1940, in Bristol, PA, he was the son of the late John S. and Sarah Eva Moore Harmsen, and was predeceased in death by his sister Joy Harmsen Fritz (John “Jack”) Gallagher (Owen). A United States Navy Veteran, John served his country from 1959-1963 on the USS New (DD 818). John worked for John’s Manville, Visqueen, Tredegar, Johnson and Johnson, and later in life retired from the Hunterdon County Jail as a corrections officer. A member of Flemington Post 159/The American Legion and lifetime member of the Flemington Elks No. 1928, he was named “Elk of the Year” from 1987-1988 and nicknamed “Fryer John” for his work in the Kitchen. Surviving are his wife, Janet E. Harmsen of Tarpon Springs, FL; two sons, John Harmsen, Jr. (Behin) of Morristown, NJ and Michael Harmsen of Flemington, NJ, one sister Joan Harmsen Reiner (Louis) Rau (Paul), as well as many nieces and nephews. A Graveside Service officiated by Rev. James DeVries will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, April 20, 2015, in the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Rd, Newtown, PA, under the direction of the Holcombe Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information, to send a personal card or leave a message of condolence for the family and to share a story and photos of John. The family has requested, that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to the Flemington Elks Lodge No. 1928, Special Needs Children's Fund, Post Office Box 261, Flemington, NJ 08822.