Lawrence "Larry" Decker
April 20, 2017Share using:
Lawrence “Larry” Michael Decker, 62, of Bernard, Iowa went home to Jesus on Thursday, April 20th, 2017 at the Jones Regional Medical Center in Anamosa, Iowa, following a heart attack.
Family and friends may call on Tuesday, April 25th from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road Dubuque, IA. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 26th at Leonard Funeral Home with the burial following at St. Patrick’s, Garryowen Cemetery and a lunch with family and friends after.
Larry was born on September 29th, 1954 in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Earl and Rose Mary (Feldman) Decker. He married the light of his life, Lynn Marie (Sewell) on May 31st, 1975.
Larry was a farmer first and foremost, and for the past 22 years he engraved thousands of rocks for his customers at Big River Specialty Company, his true passion. He graduated from Area One (NICC) and worked for many years in Dubuque as an auto mechanic, a profession he carried with him for the rest of his life. His creative spirit led him to many projects for the local community and his family. He was a true entrepreneur in everything he did.
He was passionate about living his life to the fullest, was an avid puzzler and an accomplished woodworker. He especially loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and all the animals and pets on his hobby farm, particularly his dogs Pebbles and Lola. If you were lucky enough to know Larry, then you knew that he was a gentle spirit who adored his family, enjoyed helping others, and had a love of the land with a passion for conservation.
He was an active board member of the Dubuque County Farm Bureau, a proud member of the East Iron Hill Community Church and of the Iowa Chapter of the Walnut Council.
Larry is survived by his wife, Lynn, and three children, Matt (Katie) Decker of Bernard, Emily (Conrad) Utley of Bettendorf, and Suzy Decker of Cedar Falls; his two grandchildren, Charles and Elnora Utley; his step-mother, Carmie (McDonnell) Decker; his five siblings, Bonnie (Gary) Hancock, Debi O’Brien, Jay (Marlene) Decker, Pearl (Dave) Shanahan, and Margie (Zip Gassman) Bradley; and sixteen nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his infant brother David, his beloved brother-in-law Steve Bradley, and his niece and nephews Rachel Decker, Gabe Glasman, and Scotty Hall.
The family would like to thank the Jones County EMS and the Jones Regional Medical Center staff for their tremendous care and assistance.
He was our “Rock”
In lieu of gifts and flowers, the Larry Decker Memorial Fund has been established at https://www.youcaring.com/lynndecker-806893
