Donald C. Decker, 76, Dickinson died Monday, June 1, 2009 at the St. Luke’s Home, Dickinson. Donald’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 4, 2009 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Jeff Zwack as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a rosary and vigil at 7 p.m. led by Frances Ridl and Deacon Ralph Stockert presiding.
Donald C. Decker was born March 3, 1933 in the family home where he has continued to live his entire life. He was the son of Christ and Emma (Kostelecky) Decker. He was raised and educated in Dickinson, graduating from Model High in 1951. He went into farming and ranching with his dad and bought the farm in 1972.
Donald married Marge Stefan on June 16, 1954 and they continued to farm and ranch the home place until 1999 when they sold it to their son. Donald also was co-owner of Agri Power in 1977 along with running a Grade A dairy farm with 100 cows which they sold in 1979.
Donald was a life member of the Elks, Eagles and was also a 4th Degree knights of Columbus member. He was especially proud of his farming and when possible loved to dance to a good polka or waltz.
Donald is survived by his wife, Marge; their four children, Mickie (Marty Ostertag) Decker, Roberts, Wisc., Kris (Bill Morgan) Decker, Eugene, Ore., Bobby (Jeff) Maher, Dickinson, and John Decker, Dickinson; his grandchildren, Betsy and Jane Morgan-Decker, Austin Stockert, and Emily Maher; and his sister, Darlene (Ken) McConnell, Port Ludlow, Wash. He was preceded in death by his parents; and an infant sister, Mary Kay. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to DSU Agricultural Scholarship set up in Donald’s name, or to the North Dakota Diabetes Assoc.
