Arthur Allen Decker Jr.

Arthur Allen Decker Jr, age 77 of Westfield, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Chippewa Falls.

Art grew up in Dundee, Illinois.   He was the oldest of 6 children.  His siblings consist of Ron, Rick, Candence, Wayne, and Jeff.  Art excelled in several sports including Football, State Champ in Wrestling and held the shot-put record in Track and Field for many years.  He was even drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals to play baseball.    

Art fought in the Vietnam War.   He served proudly in the Navy as a Navigator.  He Navigated several ships, but he was a natural at navigating aircraft carriers.  He was proud of his service and verbalized it more as he got older.  

He worked at Kaiser Ford in Madison.  He was the parts manager and then was promoted to parts and body shop manager.   This is unheard of in dealerships of their size.  Art was given many opportunities for advancement and was proud of his accomplishments.

Art enjoyed fishing, cars, snowmobiling and tinkering with anything he could get his hands on. Even when he was not fishing, he would organize his lures and work on his boat.   He loved night bass fishing and always seemed to find the right spots to catch fish.  Art later got hooked on Muskie Fishing (pun intended).  He loved fire pits and hanging out with family and friends.  He loved people but loved family even more, especially his wife Cathy.  She was the love of his life.

Art will be remembered for the heart and humor he shared with his friends and family.  He loved to give firm handshakes and big hugs.  He really enjoyed his grandkids and great grandkids who lovingly referred to him as “Papa.”  His dog Zoey was dear to him.  She could always make him smile.  Art had a knack for making friends easily and making all friends feel like his best friend.

Art is survived by his siblings Candence, Jeff, and Wayne (Anja), his 5 children: Suzy, Kelli (Chris), Mat (Tracy), Dave and Derek along with grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents Arthur Decker and Esther Baker, brothers Ron and Rick, as well as his loving wife Cathy.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church at 511 S. Main St, Westfield, WI 53964. There will be a fellowship gathering from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.  The service will begin after the gathering (roughly 11:00 a.m.) with Pastor Brenda Pulver officiating.  Full military honors and a lunch will follow the service at the church.  In lieu of flowers, please send cards to the Decker Family at 525 E. Wood St., Apt C Oxford, WI 53952.  

Please take a moment to view the online Tribute Wall.  Send your condolences or share a memory of Art with his family and friends.