The Pennsylvania TaeKwonDo organization
sadly announces the death of a dear member.

Former USA Taekwondo member Master Melissa Nelke of Hardwick, N.J., has passed away after a lengthy illness.  Melissa represented PA as President, Vice President, Treasurer and numerous other position during the USTU and to the advent of the current administration.  She was a tireless proponent to bring about the USTU transition to USA Taekwondo.

An internationally certified referee and competitor, Master Nelke commanded respect from all her students as well as compatriots of marshal art and sport.

May you never be forgotten in the minds and hearts of all those whom you have touched.

Letter from Melissa’s Niece

To Melissa's Tae Kwon Do Family,
There are no words to express our family's gratitude for the incredible support and condolences shown by various members of the PATKD members. The response has been overwhelming, and much of our grief has been sated by your generosity and kind words. My Aunt Melissa was an extraordinary person, as all of you know, and was taken from us much too soon. Our hearts will be mending for a very long time to come, and it is a huge comfort to know that she was admired and respected by so many people.

Aunt Melissa was "the baby" of her 6 siblings, and went by that moniker until her last day. After meeting some members of Aunt Melissa's TKD family at her viewing and funeral, many of her siblings remarked that they had seen a side of their baby sister that they had never seen before. I sincerely thank all of you for giving that gift to her family.

With much gratitude,
Lauren Seiler Bazán


Melissa Nelke - Biography

Melissa (Hart) Nelke, 50, of Blairstown, NJ, formerly of Columbus, NJ passed away on Tuesday September 29, 2009.

Born in Trenton, NJ to the late J Bernard and Vivian Hart, she was a graduate of Rutgers University and held a masters degree in microbiology.

Beloved mother of two children she is survived by her husband, son Paul and daughter Merideth, and a group of related family members throughout NJ, NY, and Michigan. Melissa was an active proponent of taekwondo and held a 4th dan, Masters degree, black belt from the Kukkiwon in Seoul Korea. She held various PA Taekwondo organization positions including president and had numerous interactions with the national taekwondo bodies from 1988 till her step down as PA state president in 2005. She was also active with the US Olympic Committee to promote taekwondo sport and art.

In lieu of anything you may desire to send to the family, donations can be made to the Melissa Hart Nelke Memorial Trust, a memorial trust to benefit her children. The address is PO Box 190, Jobstown, NJ 08041.