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

----Source: The Tribune Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI), Volume 48, No. 34, August 27, 2008, Page 17

Decker, Frank J. (Feb 26, 1916 - Aug 19, 2008)

Frank J. Decker, 92, of the town of Little Black in Taylor County, passed away Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at the Golden Living Center-Continental Manor in Abbotsford, Wis.

Frank was born 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 8th 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, Wis. 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, 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 Forester's for over 75 years

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

Frank is preceded in death by his parents; his wife; two brothers; and five sisters. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 23 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Dorchester, Wis. Father Gerard Willger will preside. Burial will follow in Dorchester Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Friday at St. Louis Catholic Church in Dorchester and again on Saturday at the church in Dorchester from 10 a.m. until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, Frank’s family has asked that memorials in their father 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.

Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.