NICK DECKER May 29, 1941 – Aug 12, 2025
Passed away at age 84 on Aug 12, 2025, with his family by his side. Beloved husband of 33 years to Mary Decker (nee Guempel). Loving father to Jeff (Connie) Decker and Cindy (Allen) Cope; grandfather to Hannah (Will) Goehl, Joshua Wachter, and Amanda (Mike) Svrcek; great-grandfather to Harper Svrcek; brother to Cortney (Jane) Decker; brother-in-law to Bob Guempel, Patty (Tom) Viliocco, Mark (Sandi) Guempel, Matt (Robyn) Guempel, uncle, cousin, and friend.
He was born on May 29, 1941, in Eau Claire, WI, to the late Mark & Beth Decker. Graduated from Memorial High School and the University of WI – Eau Claire. He retired from the Defense Mapping Agency Aerospace Center as a cartographer in Aug 1996 (currently named the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency).
He had a lifelong passion for aviation, racing, history, reading, the Green Bay Packers, and connecting with his many friends.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Private burial will be in his hometown of Eau Claire, WI
Brad and I always enjoyed a good conversation with Nick when we were able to get a chance to visit with him at the family gatherings! Thinking of you Mary and all that loved him! Sending prayers and love!
The Cunningham family
Nick, how I will miss our long talks about aviation, cars, our country, history, authors, celebrations, and of course, our beloved hometown of Eau Claire. I will not forget your voice or your smile that shone even over the phone. You are one in a million and you will be forever missed . Rest easy, my friend. It is well deserved.
My condolences to Mary Decker. You were the sweetest couple. I remember you both from NGA.
Loving condolences to Mary and family, knew Nick at the Blue Owl, always joking and smiling. Than later getting our hair cut with Rose, still a jokester and always smiling I’m sure he’s keeping all the Saints laughing in Heaven. God bless
Remember him well and particularly Mary. Sending condolences and heartfelt prayers for Mary. Bob Sport
My condolences to Mary and family.
My sympathy to Mary and all the family. Nick and I had many conversations at NGA.
Condolences to Mary and the Decker family. While I never knew Nick, if he was half as kind and caring as his wife (whom I do know).…he was a special guy.
Prayers for Mary and her family and friends! May your faith help you thru these hard times.
Sending prayers and condolences to Mary and the family. May the memories of Nick bring you comfort in the days ahead.
To my dearest sister, Mary – You really picked a great guy in “Nick” or as I would call him sometimes, Nicholas. And I will always remember how he was the one that mostly used my childhood nickname of “Petie.” I loved that! In the last couple months, we had some awesome conversations about flying with his Dad, race cars and all his racing buddies. He absolutely adored you!! What a great couple! As we have so much in the past year, Tom and I will keep you close and pray for you every day, that God will provide you daily comfort and peace as only He can provide. We love you both! Tom and Patty (Petie)
Condolences to Mary and family. I remember fondly talking to them both at work and then when they walked through our neighborhood.
I’m so sorry to hear of Nick’s passing, such a life force passed to new life. Nick was always smiling, always had a good word for everyone. To all of his family, but especially to Mary, I offer my deepest condolences. May our good Lord keep you in His tender care as you remember only the good times, knowing that Nick is at peace in his heavenly home, watching over all of you until you meet again.
Mary: Please accept my heartfelt condolences and know I’m thinking of you. Nick had a wonderful life with you … he led a fulfilling life characterized by both personal happiness and meaningful relationships. I don’t think he ever met a stranger and I can’t imagine anyone “catching him without a smile!” I feel honored to have seen and visited with him at the end of his life’s journey. For you, I hope for strength and healing. Scars from loss are a testament to the depth of love. Be well, Mary!
They say all good things come yo an end. Wish your end had been better. So glad you had Mary for so many years. I’m glad to have known and loved you. Sleep well, my dear Norris.
Mary, so sorry to just now reading this. I’m on an Alaskan cruise now but i’m saying a small prayer for you & your family.