Obit: Decker, Mary Lou H. (1934 – 2020)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Stewart, Decker, Thompson, Brandt, Rogers, Wilfert, Lindner, Rohde, Hischer, Kolbeck

Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, WI) 04 Nov 2020

Decker, Mary Lou H. (24 OCT 1934 – 31 OCT 2020)

Mary Lou Helen Decker, 86, Port Orange, Fla., formerly of Greenwood, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, at 5:55 a.m., in her home, following a brief illness. As her firstborn son held her hand, she breathed her Earthly last, then breathed her Heavenly first.

Mary Lou Helen Stewart was born on Oct. 24, 1934, in High Bridge, to Robert and Minnette (nee Thompson) Stewart. She attended elementary, junior high, high, and nursing schools, fulfilling the joy of her heart: serving others with care and compassion. She continued that wonderful care with her beautiful heart, even clasping her hands in prayer for all her loved ones near the end of her life while under home hospice care. Thank you, Mom, for always being the hands and feet of Jesus.

She married the love of her life, Donald Lawrence Decker, on Jan. 7, 1956, and they lived just north of Greenwood for many years raising their seven children. Following the death of Donald, Mary Lou was surprised by love a second time, and on Dec. 26, 1998, she married Nyle Brandt. She was a longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church of Greenwood, and while living in Florida, she was a faithful member of CrossRoads Church of Daytona Beach.

Survivors include her four sons: Donald (Jill) of Corona, Calif., Randall of Eau Claire, Ronald of Eau Claire, and Duane (Jodi) of Vancouver, Wash.; her three beautiful daughters: Mrs. Kenneth (Linda) Rogers of Gainesville, Ga., Mrs. Kevin (Kimberly) Wilfert of Germantown, and Mrs. Rugg (Jennifer) Lindner of Greenwood; one sister, Mrs. Gary (Helen) Rohde of Hudson; 14 grandchildren: Stewart, Christina, Elisa, Jace, Lynelle, Hannah, Allegra, Dawson, Lee, Michael, Ryan, Decker, Trenton, and Rylan; two great-granddaughters: Sophia and Ember; and Nyle’s three children: Lee Ann Hischer, Duane Brandt, and Brenda Kolbeck.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents; her five brothers: Robert, Glenn, Keith, Duane, and Lloyd; her two sisters: Kathryn Minnette and Hazel; her husbands: Donald Decker and Nyle Brandt; and a granddaughter, Angel Sarah Rogers.

Mary Lou will be fondly remembered as “The Cookie Lady,” as she had such a gift in that area. She baked each sweet treat with loving kindness and either sent or hand delivered them with a joyful heart and a warm smile. She had a wonderful “cookie ministry,” sharing with others the sweet treats, along with the love of her Lord.

Ephesians 3:20 Due to COVID-19 virus concerns and the ever-changing Wisconsin weather, a graveside service is currently planned to be held at the Greenwood Cemetery on July 25, 2021, at 10 a.m. (coordinating with the every fourth Sunday in July Stewart-Thompson family reunion). A confirmation announcement regarding this date and location will be made in this paper approximately one month prior to July 25, 2021. All family and friends are encouraged to come and celebrate the life of this most wonderful young lady. Afterwards, family members can proceed to the Greenwood Park to help make Mom super proud and happy, to have everyone present at the family reunion … what a day that will be!

The family would like to thank the Cuddie Funeral Home of Greenwood, and the Baldwin Brothers Funeral and Cremation Society of Port Orange, Fla., for their assistance with arrangements.