Joseph F. Decker, age 89, of 1401 North 23rd Street, Escanaba, died Tuesday morning March 27, 2007 at the St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba following a brief illness.
Joseph was born May 8, 1917 in Manitowoc, WI the son of Antone and Ann (Krish) Decker.
Joe served his country in the US Army. He was stationed with the Tank Battalion 762 Army Division at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. He worked as a clerk in the PX.
Joe spent his entire working career as a car salesman in the Powers and Escanaba area, beginning his career in 1937 with Peninsula Motors and later Bracket Chevrolet, forming Decker/Kirschner Auto Sales prior to the war. After his honorable discharge, Joe continued selling automobiles culminating in 1965 with the prestigious National “Ford Top Hatter” awarded to only a few, as top salesman in the nation, while working for Northern Motors Company of Escanaba. Joe had received this award for selling 390 cars in 1964 and 428 cars in 1965. He also received many other awards for car sales. In 1966, Joe established Decker Auto Sales. It was then made into a father and son business merging with his son Mike in 1971. Following his retirement he would still sell cars for Decker Koepp Auto Sales.
Joe was one of the first and oldest members of the Tony Revord American Legion Post #244 of which he was a member for 61 years. He also belonged to the Escanaba AMVETS, Elks, Moose, and Eagles clubs. Joe loved being around people and going to the casino, making 49 trips to Las Vegas. His children fondly remember their annual vacation which always included a stop on Mackinac Island where no cars where allowed. They then would continue their vacation onto Flint for the Flint Auto Auction.
Survivors include:
1 son: Mike (Kathy) Decker of Norway, MI
3 daughters: Renee (Joel) Erickson of Escanaba; Sandy Oliver of Soo Hill, MI; Terry (Ron Vanderlinden) Decker of Gladstone
Special friend and companion for 33 years, Betty Carlson of Escanaba
2 brothers: Clarence (Irene) Decker of Flushing, MI; Antone Decker of Burton, MI
3 sisters: Rose (Carl Kuebler) Jensen of Grand Ledge, MI; Annamae (Frank) Buys of Norway, MI; Gertrude (Walter) Servia of Munising, MI
1 sister-in-law: Edith Decker of Flushing, MI
12 grandchildren: Phil LaMarch, Paul and Travis Halase, Tommy and Tracey Oliver, Jeff and Jeremy Erickson, Jody Major, Michelle Peacox, Christina King, Jennifer Hubbard and Jamie Decker.
10 great grandchildren
Numerous niece and nephews
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by;
Wife: Elizabeth
Brother: Edward
3 Sisters: Lillian and Evelyn Decker and Mary Pilch
Son-in-law: Thomas Oliver
Joe’s family will receive friends on Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M. at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba. Military rites conducted by (waiting for confirmation from group) will conclude the visitation at 6:00 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial services celebrating the life of Joseph F. Decker will be held on Saturday at 11:00 A.M. at the St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Escanaba with Rev. Mike Steber officiating. Burial will be in Spaulding Township Cemetery. The Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes are assisting the Decker family.
