Albert J. Decker

Albert J. Decker, 90, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away suddenly at home on January 8th, 2019.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 12th, 2019 at St. Joseph Church, Key West with Rev. Rodney Allers officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 11th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 3:00 p.m.

Albert was born on May 18, 1928 in Bernard, Iowa the son of John and Frances (Pfab) Decker. He attended Feeney School and St. Joseph’s School in Key West. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph’s Church, Key West.

He married Callista Tigges on May 25, 1954 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. Albert farmed all his life to the point of doing chores on the day he passed. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He loved spending time with family and friends making many great memories to cherish. He was able to live a long, fulfilled life by following his strict diet at meat, potatoes, peanut butter and mostly chocolate.  He will be deeply missed.

Albert is survived by his wife of 64 years Callista; children, Dale (Ann) Decker, of Key West, Ron (Bitzie) Decker and Jean Decker of Dubuque, and Gary (Lisa) Decker, of Robins, IA. Grandchildren, Tammi (Bob) Schroeder, Matt (Teeney) Decker, McKenzie (Tim Davis) Decker, Dena (Travis) Voss, Laura (Zach) Hodge, Brian (Amy) Decker, Jason Decker, Katie (Drew) Simpson, Elana (Coby Clapp) Decker, Sirena (Sam) Stark. Great grandchildren, Evan, Holli, Jacob, Alexis, Morgan, Peyton, DJ, Calli, Cate, Parker, Oli, Avery, Maddy, Gwen, Gus, Cooper, Camille and Eben Albert who was just born on January 9th; his 19th great grandchildren is expected to arrive in June.

Albert is also survived by his siblings, Vincent (Evelyn) Decker, of Zwingle, Hubert (Elizabeth) Decker, of Cascade, Monica (Cletus) Thielen, of Zwingle, Darlene Collins, of Peosta, John “JJ” (Erma) Decker of Dubuque, Louis (Darla) Decker, of Dubuque, Melita (Virgil) Hansen, of Maquoketa, Agnes “Fran” Decker, of Dubuque, Bernadine (Mark) Giese, of Dubuque, and Kenneth Decker, of Dubuque. Granddaughter-in-law Stephani Decker; sister-in-law Charlene Decker and brother-in-law Ray Tigges. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law Arthur and Marcella Tigges; his son David J. Decker; grandson Timothy R. Decker; twin siblings in infancy William and Margaret in 1925; brothers William “Willie” (Mary) Decker, Raymond (Phyllis) Decker and Harvey Decker; brother-in-law James Collins and sister-in-law Rosie Tigges.

In lieu of flowers an Albert Decker memorial fund will be established.

The family wishes to thank Key West Fire & EMS, Dubuque County Sherriff Department, Fr. and Rod Allers for all their help and compassion that was given to us on Tuesday.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.