Dean Decker

Albert Dean Decker, age 90, of Peru passed away Thursday, October 21, 2021 of a heart condition at Good Samaritan Home in Indianola. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, October 26, 2021 in the Peru Cemetery at Peru, Iowa with Rev. Sandy Smith officiating. No visitation is planned. Memorials may be directed to his family for donations to local organizations. Dean was born on February 25, 1931, to Elmer Decker and Martha Grace Decker of Peru. He was married on June 27, 1948 to Dorothy (Vanatta) Decker. He lived a life full of adventure, family, collecting, and hard work. He was many things to many people…. a friend, a father, a grandfather, a great grandfather, a great-great grandfather, a leader, a brother, a son, and a husband. A life-long resident of Madison County, Dean spent his life spinning tales, working the fields, growing all kinds of things, carefully and excessively collecting anything from the toys he didn’t get as a child to much more extravagant grown-up toys, carnival glass, antiques and a little bit of just about everything else. He was an avid hunter, raised numerous dogs, loved to fish, and walked miles and miles to find Indian artifacts. He was active in his community and was a member of the Madison County Pork Producers and the Madison County Coon Hunters Association. He is survived by his children, sons, Ronnie (Nellene) Decker of Murray, Donnie (Judy) Decker of Murray and a daughter, Donna (Marty) Davis of Springfield, IL; eight grandchildren; twenty-one great grandchildren; fifteen great-great grandchildren; sister, Marie Porter of Osceola; and brothers, Jim Decker of Winterset, Everett Decker of Peru and Lee Decker of Lorimor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Grace Decker; wife, Dorothy Decker; brothers, Gene, Dale, and Joe Decker; sister, Lois Dillinger; and great grandson, Joshua Tiede. As his children, we have endless tales and memories of Dad that we will treasure and hold dear always. We found he truly did touch people and extended his friendship to many. He will be missed. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4