Gerald DECKER

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DECKER: Gerald, November 13, 1927 – April 17, 2013. Gerald William Decker, age 85 passed away at Fairview Home on April 17th, 2013. Gerald was the youngest child of Bert and Myrtle Decker. After leaving school in Grade 10 to help out on the farm, Gerald attended Musker Engineering in Winnipeg where he learnt automotive and aerial motors. He worked a couple of winters at Fred Decker’s garage in Decker, and then went onto Brandon University and took an agricultural course. Gerald was too young for the war at age 16 and at age 19 he developed polio in his left leg. Because of this leg, he could not do the physical work required on the farm in the fall of 1947, so took advantage of this time to marry his sweet heart from age 15, Margaret Kidd, in September. For the 1st two years they lived on the family farm at Decker, and then moved to the Van Norman farm west of Decker for another 3 years. They took over the original Decker homestead in 1955. Dad loved the grain farm, although he did raise cattle and pigs for a short period of time. Gerald was a member of the Odd Fellows and participated in all community events. He was a trustee on the school board for years and also sat on the church board. He loved to curl and he drove the school bus for many years. He was given the gift of a very deep bass voice and became well known for his singing ability singing in the Decker choir for years, and then later in the senior Hamiota choir. He spent many hours learning to play the accordion and then the organ. Playing the organ gave him great comfort in the latter years.Many summers were spent on holiday trips with numerous friends and family and there were regular trips to Kenora, Ontario to visit his brother in law and family. For 19 years they also went to Florida for the winter months. Gerald and Marg moved to Hamiota in 1990 and retired from farming in 1991. For a few years they spent the winters out at the west coast at Sidney on Vancouver Island. Marg passed away in the spring of 2001. They were married for 53 years and had a wonderful life together. Gerald and Marg were blessed with 3 children, Jody, Denny and Cheryl. Cheryl married Gordon Cormack, and Gerald and Marg were thrilled to have 2 grandchildren, Brad and Mardie. They devoted a lot of their time travelling back and forth to Kenton to follow their grandchildren’s activities. In 2003 Gerald started golfing with Shirley Dale. Their strong friendship lasted for 10 years and they enjoyed an active senior life. Due to vascular dementia Gerald was unable to stay in his house and moved to Lilac Residence in June 2010. As his dementia deteriorated he was moved to Fairview Home in November 2012 to be closer to his daughter Cheryl. He continued to enjoy his music and the social interaction until his passing. Gerald is survived by his children, grandchildren, brother -in-law Bill Kidd, sisters-in-law Frances Ruchotzke, and Hilda Decker, numerous nieces and nephews; special friend Shirley Dale and her family. He was predeceased by his parents, wife Margaret, brother Cecil Decker, sister Dell Hillman and husband Mac, sisters-in-law: Zina Kidd, Edna Kidd, and brother-in-law Al Ruchotzke. A service to celebrate Gerald’s life took place in the Hamiota United Church on Wednesday, April 24 with Rev. Glenna Beauchamp officiating and internment followed at the Hamiota Cemetery. Campbell Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. If desired, donations may be made in Gerald’s memory to the Hamiota United Church Memorial Fund, Hamiota, MB, R0M 0T0 or to the Fairview Home Memorial Fund, 1351-13th St. Brandon, MB, R7A 4S6.

As published in Brandon Sun on May 11, 2013