Florence M. Decker

1926-2015 Florence Marie Decker, 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Friday, January 16, 2015 at Bethesda Care Center, Fremont. She was born on September 2, 1926 to Lambert and Florence M. (O'Malley) Myrman in Chicago, IL Florence met the love of her life, Dean H. Decker, while he was stationed at Navy Pier in Chicago, and she was a member of the USO. They were united in marriage on September 18, 1946 in Fremont at Grace Lutheran Church by Dr. Lawrence S. Price. They were both very active members at Grace, participating in church council, Grace Couples, and as Luther League advisors. Many of the couples friends from Grace formed a card club that met once a month to play Pinochle and did so for 45+ years. Florence continued to play cards as a resident of Bethesda with friends who would come to visit - usually coming out the winner. She was also known as the trivia queen by the staff and activities people, and amazed them with her extensive knowledge on a variety of subjects. During her employment years, Florence worked for several clothing stores, spending most of that time at Joseph's, which she really enjoyed. She participated in many of their fashion shows as a model. It was in the early 1970's, employment led her to the H. J. Heinz Co. as a receptionist and switchboard operator, as well as freight biller until the late 1980's. Even through these busy years of raising a family and working, Florence was a bluebird and campfire leader for her daughters and a member of Garden Club and the O.C.C.L. She enjoyed traveling, with special highlights being a trip to the summer Olympics in Mexico City in 1968, family camping vacations across the country, and boating on Lake Erie. Florence was an avid reader, and loved crossword puzzles, card games, board games, old movies, a good joke, and a good laugh. But most of all, she loved having her family over for a backyard cookout and an afternoon of swimming. Surviving are children, Kristie (Frank Shimmel) Huber, Deanna (Dave) Root, Lori (Greg) Kryder, and David (Lilley) Decker, all of Fremont; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and nieces, Deb and Kathy. Preceding her in death are her husband of 49 years, Dean; her parents; brother, Robert; and Sister-in-Law, Dorothy. The family would like to extend their special thanks to the staff at Bethesda Care Center Memory Unit for all the kindness and compassion shown to Florence, especially to friend and nurse, Linda Holcomb for her loving attentive care. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at the Herman-Kinn-Karlovetz Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Fremont from 4-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 beginning at 11 a.m., with an hour of visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Pastor Jim Avers will officiate and burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. In memory of Florence, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association-Northwest Ohio Chapter, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, or to Bethesda Care Center.