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Decker, Clifford
Clifford Decker, 83, died Monday morning, Nov. 29, 2010, at his home following an extended illness. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, at the Peace United Church of Christ, Monticello, with interment in the Oakwood Cemetery. The Rev. Peter Wenzel will officiate. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello.
Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at
Memorials may be made to Peace United Church of Christ or Above and Beyond Hospice.
Surviving is his wife of over 60 years, Kathleen; two sons, Craig (Barbara) Decker and Kevin (Karla) Decker, both of Monticello; a daughter, Kathi Decker of Marion; six grandchildren; one stepgrandchild; and 4 stepgreat-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his sister, Fern (Paul) Loes of Sioux Falls, S.D.
Cliff was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Ruth Rodgers; and his brothers-in-law, Everett Rodgers, Paul E. and Ralph Paulsen.
Clifford Dewain Decker was born March 2, 1927, on the family farm in Richland Township, Jones County, Iowa. He was the son of Christopher and Dora Arduser Decker. Cliff received his education in Richland Township School #3. Farming was his life's passion.
Cliff married Kathleen Paulsen on Jan. 27, 1950, at the Scotch Grove Presbyterian Church. The couple farmed on the Decker family farm until 1986, when they moved to Monticello. Cliff continued to make daily trips to the farm until his health would not allow him to drive anymore.
Cliff was a life long member of the Peace United Church of Christ, where he had served as an elder and as president of the church council. He also served as a director of the Federal Land Bank and Swiss Valley Farms for many years.
Cliff enjoyed spending time with his family, especially the birthday and holiday celebrations. He enjoyed reading to his children and grandchildren and playing games with them. He loved a good game of racehorse pinochle and going for rides in the countryside to check out the crops. He will be greatly missed.
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