Obit: Decker, Frank J. (1916 - 2008)

Poster: Robert Lipprandt

Email: bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Anderson, Decker, Ellenbecker, Habermeyer, Hiegel, Krug, Louret, Saladin, Sulik, Willger

----Source: The Star News (Medford, Taylor Co., WI) Thursday, August 28, 2008, Online Edition

Decker, Frank J. (February 26, 1916 - August 19, 2008)

Frank J. Decker, age 92, of the Town of Little Black in Taylor County, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008 at the Golden LivingCenter-Continental Manor in Abbotsford.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Dorchester. Father Gerard Willger officiated. Burial was at Dorchester Memorial Cemetery.

Frank was born on February 26, 1916 to Peter and Krezenz (Hiegel) Decker in the Town of Little Black in Taylor County.

He attended Liberty School in Little Black and graduated from the eighth grade.

After grade school Frank continued to work on the homestead farm which later became Frank's and his wife's farm.

Frank married Neva O. Sulik on May 28, 1941 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Dorchester.

Together they continued to farm and raise their family. Frank also was employed at Meyer Machine Shop in Dorchester where he worked as an engineer and designer for over 40 years. Frank was instrumental in developing the first Meyer Self-Unloading Forage Box. Frank and Neva also had maintained a milk hauling operation in the Dorchester area.

In his spare time Frank enjoyed fishing and hunting and cutting and splitting wood. Frank was a man of few words however his expression, "Work hard, it’s good for you," is fondly remembered by his children. Frank was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Dorchester and a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters for over 75 years.

Frank is lovingly survived by his children, Michael (Connie) Decker of Dorchester, Fred (special friend Darlene Anderson) Decker of Medford, Frank (Judy) Decker of Schofield, Kristine (Roger) Ellenbecker of Allenton, Rachel Louret of Medford and Claudette (special friend Wayne Krug) Saladin of Dorchester; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by a sister, Charlotte Habermeyer of Stetsonville; and a brother, Clarence Decker of Colby. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; two brothers; and five sisters.

In lieu of flowers, Frank's family has asked that memorials in their father's name be given to the Clark County Humane Society in Neillsville, or memorials may be given to the family which will be donated to various charities of the family's choosing.

Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.