David A. Decker, 62, Hartley

A memorial service for David A. Decker was held Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023 at Grace Fellowship Church in Hartley. Rev. Steve Campbell officiated.

Honorary pallbearers were Nate Hunziker, Brian Hunziker, Todd Sherrets, Jason Decker, Ryan Sherrets, Wesley Staack, Nikki Kennedy, Kari Penhollow and Erin Francis. Burial will be at a later date. Hartley Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.

David Allen Decker, one of six children of John and Betty (Howard) Decker, was born Feb. 15, 1960 in Hampton. He spent his youth around Independence and received his education there, graduating from Independence High School with the Class of 1978.

David was united in marriage to Brenda Jean Heeren on Oct. 13, 1990, at Paullina. They began their life together at Independence, living there until 1997 when they relocated to Hartley. They raised their three daughters there and have called it “home” ever since.

David had spent the bulk of his working years wearing heavy leather gloves and a protective helmet while holding a flaming torch in his right hand. His career as a welder included repairing railroad cars for Transco Railway in Oelwein, and manufacturing dry bulk material handling equipment and grain spouts for Nolin Milling, steel fabricators at Dickens. He loved what he did and his work was evidence of that.

Being in a hot helmet all day actually made going home to mow the lawn a welcome change of pace. He liked just being outside in the fresh air and sunshine, messing around in the garden or taking care of the house yard. At the end of the day, relaxing by a warm fire, and looking up at the night sky would eventually turn into his favorite obsession…all things paranormal. After all, you never knew if this was the night you’d see a raft of falling stars or maybe an elusive UFO!

To say David was a car racing enthusiast might not explain it correctly. He loved to watch drag racing and Indy car races; knew all the drivers, sponsors and past winners. If racing and football games ever crossed timeslots, it would be a hard choice as David was also an ardent football fan, especially when it involved the Iowa Hawkeyes football or basketball teams. Indoor pastimes were podcasting with his daughters and building model spaceships while listening to his favorite tunes from the 70s and 80s. David enjoyed many things in life, yet nothing could compare to spending time with his own family and his grandchildren whom he treasured most. He was a member of Grace Fellowship Church in Hartley.

David passed away on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, at the age of 62 years. He now joins his daughter, Allyson Decker; and his parents, John and Betty Decker.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife of 32 years, Brenda Decker, of Hartley; daughters: Katie (Joe) Schimerowski, of Milroy, Minn.; Samantha (Isaac) Tetteh, of Pomfret, Md.; and Abbie Decker, of Ames; three grandchildren: Becca Tetteh, Snow Schimerowski and Apollo Schimerowski; his brother, John Decker; sisters: Karen (Ken) Hunziker, Paula (Chris) Anderson, Julie (Steve) Sherrets and Holly Staack; other relatives and friends.