Donald R. Decker

Donald R. Decker, 75, of Pingree Grove, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2020, at St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin with his family by his side. Don was born on December 1, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois to Caroline (Decker) and Martin Hasenberg. Always proud of his Chicago roots, Don shared many stories about growing up in northside neighborhoods and graduating from William Howard Taft High School. Another source of pride and great stories was Don’s service in the United States Marine Corp from 1963-1966, a commitment that brought him to San Diego, Okinawa, and North Carolina. Upon his return to Illinois, Don completed education in electrical engineering and began his career with Western Electric. A talented, dedicated, and faithful employee, he continued to work for this company through many name changes until retiring from Lucent Technologies in 2003. In retirement, Don relaxed into routines of “scooping the loop” with his wife, Mary, meticulously caring for the lawn, cars, and bookkeeping, advising his children on household improvements and cheering on his six grandchildren. Throughout his life, Don was happiest when helping others find joy. Don married Mary Lynn Turk on September 27, 1969, celebrating 50 loving years of marriage just before Mary’s death in November 2019. Together, Don and Mary proudly raised three children, Diana Decker of Hampshire, Illinois, Don Decker (Katie) of Spring Lake, Michigan, and Derek Decker (Kristie) of Gilberts, Illinois, and delighted in the six grandchildren that followed, Grace and Daniel Garcia of Hampshire, Marne and Delaney Decker of Spring Lake, and Kyle and Emrick Decker of Gilberts. He is also survived by a brother, Harry Decker, of Florida and several nieces and nephews. Don is preceded in death by his parents, Martin Hasenberg, Caroline Strenk, stepfather Stanley Strenk, his wife Mary, and two infant granddaughters, Samantha and Ashley Decker. Funeral services will be at 11 AM Friday, June 19, 2020, at St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road, Burlington. Burial will follow in the Hampshire Center Cemetery. Visitation will be held at St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road, Burlington on Thursday, June 18, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. **Due to COVID-19 restrictions, please practice social distancing and wear face coverings at these services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Don’s name to the Semper Fi Fund, www.semperfifund.org.

Donald R. Decker

December 1, 1944 - June 13, 2020