Ken E. Nordheim Jr

Ken E. Nordheim Jr, 69, of New Smyrna Beach, FL, went to be with the Lord on March 25th, after a hard-fought battle with a variety of health issues. Born in Syracuse NY to Ken and Shirley Nordheim Sr, Ken was 1965 graduate of Liverpool High School. Following graduation, Ken enlisted in the Navy in 1966 and was designated a Cryptologic Technician. After completing Intelligence training at Corry Station in Pensacola, FL, Ken was assigned to the USS Jamestown and deployed to Vietnam. Ken performed a variety of intelligence missions, both afloat and ashore during his time in the region, many of which were only recently declassified by the government. After returning home in 1970 Ken was employed as a locksmith with the Syracuse Housing Authority, and has a son, Matthew, and a daughter, Samantha, from his first marriage. Ken met the love of his life, Melinda, and her son, Brian, in 1987, they were married in June 1988, and have a son, Scott. In 1994 Ken, Melinda, and Scott relocated to New Smyrna Beach. A modern-day renaissance man, Ken had a variety of hobbies to include art, wood working, and studying history. Ken loved to travel and was always telling stories about places he had visited. Ken was predeceased by his father, Ken Sr. He is survived by his mother, Shirley, wife Melinda, his children, his brother Gary, his sister Carol, two grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. A Patriotic celebration of life will be held at the Edgewater Alliance Church on Wednesday, March 29th, at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Community Hot Meal Program, C/O First United Methodist Church, New Smyrna Beach, or your local Disabled American Veterans chapter.