John L. Decker, age 78, of Grass Lake, MI, passed away April 6, 2024 at Michigan Medicine Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI. John was born on July 21, 1945 in Menomonie, WI, the son of Lawrence and Doris (Scapple) Decker.
John moved to the Grass Lake area in 2016. He held a distinguished career, working for Steeltech in Grand Rapids, MI from 1994-2016, retiring as Vice President of Operations. He married Kathryn A. (McIntosh) on December 28, 1968, and she survives him. Also surviving are two children, Bradley (Corey) Decker of Chelsea and Matthew (Joy) Decker of Chicago; two grandsons, Calvin and Blake; his siblings: Robert “Joe” (Julie) Decker of Wild Rose, WI, Pamela (Wayne) Connors of St. George, UT, and Mariann (David) Belknap of Oshkosh, WI; sister-in-law, Linda Kaminski of Colorado Springs, CO, and brother-in-law, Michael (Sue) McIntosh of Waukesha, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Doris Decker, a brother, Dana Decker, sister-in-law, Denise “Neice” McIntosh, and brother-in-law, Roger Kaminski.
John's passions were as diverse as they were vibrant. He found solace and joy in pen and ink drawing, the green fairways of the golf course, and the rich narratives of historical books, particularly those centered on the Civil War. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea. His favorite sports teams included the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Bucks and the Brewers. He found joy in music and dancing, and he relished watching sporting events of his grandsons, sharing in the excitement with family and friends. He cherished spending time with his family, and he found immense joy in spreading Santa's cheer during the holidays.
John will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, as well as at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea, with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating. A luncheon will follow at Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea. Burial will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park in Racine, WI.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, Chelsea. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
