Donald L. DECKER

25 JUL 1930 - 22 SEP 2012

• BIRTH: 25 JUL 1930, Mishawaka, St Joseph, IN
• DEATH: 22 SEP 2012, St Joseph Regional Med. Center, South Bend, IN

• MARRIAGE: 16 SEP 1950, Mishawaka, St Joseph County IN

INDEX

[N30969] Donald L. Decker
July 25, 1930 ~ September 22, 2012 (age 82)

Donald L. Decker, 82, passed away at 11:50 a.m. on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center South Bend, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on July 25, 1930 in Mishawaka to the late John C. and Elsa (Egendorfer) Decker. He has remained a lifelong area resident. On September 16, 1950 in Mishawaka, he married Gloria J. Bunch who survives. Along with his wife of 62 years, Gloria, survivors include his two children, Deborah (Timothy) Szalai of South Bend, and Timothy (Judith) Decker of Bremen; six grandchildren, Adam Szalai, Taylor Szalai, Austin Szalai, Jordann Decker, Jennifer (David) Putz, and Natalie (Eric) Dolson; and five great grandchildren, Carter, Jude, and Rohan Putz, and Ava and Parker Dolson. Three brothers, John, Paul, and Jim Decker preceded him in death. While growing up, he attended St. Joseph and Central Catholic Schools. Don worked two years for Studebaker Corporation. He was employed by Bendix Corporation for 21 years and then worked for the City of South Bend as Street Commissioner from 1971-1975. He retired from the Levy Company after many years in a gratifying position in sales, and followed this position as a Consultant. While at the Levy Company he made many interesting contacts and lifelong friendships. He was a member of the St. Matthew Cathedral for over 40 years, and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus #5521. Don was a former member of the St. Joseph County Police Merit Board and also served as president of the Somers Square Homeowners Association. He was an avid golfer, and along with his wife Gloria, enjoyed their membership at Morris Park Country Club. It was at the Erskine Park Golf Course, where he twice made a hole-in-one on the sixth hole. For thirteen years, he and Gloria spent their winters playing and relaxing in Florida. Don was a hard working gentleman who was always kind and considerate of others. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who put his family and his faith above all. He will be greatly missed, as his family looked to him for his strength, guidance and caring ways. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at St. Matthew Cathedral, 1701 Miami Street, South Bend. Graveside services and burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Friends may visit with the family from 4-8 p.m on Tuesday at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan Street, South Bend where the Rosary will be recited at 4:30 p.m. Contributions in memory of Donald L. Decker may be donated to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 2302 South Bend Ave., South Bend, IN 46635. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.