Victor J. Ostermiller

Victor J. Ostermiller, age 76 years, of Flemington Borough, New Jersey, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, February 16, 2020.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, on April 10, 1943, Victor was the son of Victor John and Lydia Miller Ostermiller. At the age of 14, he moved with his family to a farm in Croton, New Jersey, where he loved being outside and taking care of his animals.

After high school, Victor worked as a sandwich maker for All American Hero, and then as a tire roller for the Dural Rubber Company, both in Flemington. In the 1970s, he went into business with his parents and became co-owner of Victor’s Delicatessen in Branchburg, New Jersey. His favorite part of the job was delivering sandwiches and coffee to various construction sites around Hunterdon and Somerset counties. A born talker, Victor was able to make connections with people everywhere he went. Nothing gave him greater satisfaction than to make someone laugh.

When he reached his early thirties, Victor visited Locktown Plymouth Brethren Church, where Reverend Ralph Waters was pastor. Victor realized that he was a sinner, and that none of his good works could save him from the wrath of God. Reverend Waters told Victor that God loved him so much that he sent his son Jesus to take the punishment for his sins in his place, and that Jesus would welcome him into the kingdom of God if he believed. This was good news to Victor, and his life was never the same.

After selling his business in the early 1980s, Victor enrolled in Philadelphia College of the Bible, where he studied pastoral counseling. He went to school during the day and worked nights at Thermo-Fisher Scientific in Bridgewater, New Jersey, as a shipping clerk. He did this for 6 years. During this time, Victor traveled the world. On his 4 trips to Israel, he went on archaeological digs. He also visited Russia and Eastern Europe, packing Bibles in his suitcase to distribute them behind the Iron Curtain.

In 1986, Victor received his most important assignment from God to date. At the age of 43, he considered himself a confirmed bachelor. But he met a widow named Ann Bond, who had 4 children. Victor had always been a compassionate man and loved children. He courted Ann for a year and brought joy and laughter back into her life and the lives of her children. Ann and Victor married on September 5, 1987. Through joys and hardships, Victor was a faithful and loving husband for the next 32 years. He served as the dedicated and jovial head usher at Calvary Baptist Church for many years, where he warmly welcomed anyone into the services. He also liked working in his garden and keeping up with politics. He was very attached to his dogs, Rusty and Chief. Victor was thrilled to welcome 4 grandchildren, 2 grandnephews, and a grandniece.

Retiring at the age of 73 and beset by a variety of physical ailments, Victor’s final years were difficult, but he always tried to face life cheerfully and with courage. He died a man of faith and trusting Christ alone for his salvation.

He is predeceased by his parents and his sister Lydia Marlene Rabe.

Surviving are his loving wife Ann Ostermiller; a stepson, J. Timothy Bond, and his wife Doriann of Holland, PA; three stepdaughters, Sharon Westphal of Southborough, MA, Ivy Bond Locey of Granger, IN, and Laura DaSilva, and her husband Fernando of Ringoes, NJ; two nieces, Traci Spencer and her husband John of East Smithfield, PA, and Kelli Rivera and her husband Huascar of Bethlehem, PA; a brother-in-law, Paul Rabe of Saylorsburg, PA; four grandchildren, Olivia, Grace, Ben, and Elena; two greatnephews, Stephen and Nathan; and a greatniece, Cassidy.

Calling hours for family and friends will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2020, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 24 at 10:00 AM at Calvary Baptist Church, 262 South Main Street, Flemington, NJ, under the direction of the funeral home. Interment will follow at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Capner Street, Flemington, NJ.

Memorial contributions in Victor’s name may be made to the Calvary Baptist Church Missions Board and mailed to Calvary Baptist Church, 262 South Main St, Flemington, NJ 08822.