Joann June Decker

Joann Decker was a remarkable woman with a strong faith and an insatiable love for her family. Whether she was burning up the dance floor, watching a Walt Disney movie with her children, or soaking up the warm Alabama sunshine, she consistently carried herself with generosity, compassion, and grace. Joann lived each day to its fullest and brought light and life to all those around her. During the 1930s, our country was held firmly within the grip of the Great Depression and although many American families were struggling to make ends meet, there were joyous occasions as well. John and Anna (Keur) Portenga, of Muskegon, Michigan found great reason to celebrate within their own family as they were awaiting the birth of their second child at any time. They were indeed blessed on June 8, 1930 with the healthy birth of their daughter, Joann June. Joann joined her brother Stanley who was four years older than her and she grew up in the family home located in Muskegon. Joann and her brother were cared for primarily by their mother while their father, a Dutch immigrant, worked as a farmer to support his family. He had a parcel of land on Apple Avenue where he raised goats and chickens and grew vegetables and flowers that he sold to florists in town. Although her father was stern, Joann adored him and she spent many hours in the kitchen with her mother. She learned the art of canning and became a talented cook as well, a trait that would follow her throughout her entire lifetime. Joann developed a close relationship with her mother and she missed her mother immensely when she died. The Portenga family certainly felt the effects of the depression firsthand, but they fostered a spirit of contentment and thankfulness for the food they had, always sitting down to enjoy dinner together. Joann loved the cats that lived on the farm, especially the calicos and during her younger years, she also became a talented seamstress. Many young people during this era found employment in order to help out where they could and Joann was no exception. She worked at a dime store for a time and her earnings helped pay for the yarn she needed for her projects and also to pay for her braces. As a student, Joann attended local schools and she graduated from Muskegon High School in 1948. Shortly after graduation, Joann, who was an avid roller-skater, made a fateful visit to the Curvecrest Roller Rink. Here, she was introduced to a young man and fellow roller skating enthusiast who would forever change the course of Joanns life. His name was Lowell Decker and although he had a girlfriend at the time, Joann declared that He will be mine! He was a city boy and she a country girl, but as the saying goes, opposites attract, and in the case of Joann and Lowell, they certainly did. It didnt take long before Joanns prediction came true and the young couple began dating. Joann and Lowell also enjoyed dancing together as this was the age of swing, but their love story was soon changed in a dramatic way. Lowell received his draft notice to serve in the Army during the Korean Conflict and it was important to Joann that they marry. On a weekend furlough, they did indeed marry in the Fifth Reformed Church in Muskegon, on May 29, 1951. With no time or money to experience a typical honeymoon, the couple honeymooned en route to their new destination, Fort Bragg. Joann lived in a rental home nearby while Lowell stayed on the base and upon his discharge in 1953, the couple returned to Muskegon where they began building their first house on Shirley Blvd. The couple was soon blessed with three children: Patricia, in 1953, Mark, in 1955, and Karen, in 1962, just after they moved into a home on Marcoux St. It was at the Marcoux home that Joann cleaned and waxed the hardwood floors on Saturdays so she and Lowell could swing dance in their stocking feet that night. As a mother, Joann completely immersed herself into caring for the needs for her children and she was always active in their lives, following their various activities. Proper dental care and a quality pair of shoes were a must in the Decker household too. Joann had a way of making sure that her children knew they were uniquely loved. Sundays were always special family days and after an early Sunday dinner, their family enjoyed taking a leisurely drive, often with no true destination planned. Sunday evenings were always reserved for watching Walt Disney or the Ed Sullivan Show while enjoying popcorn together. Joann also learned to flawlessly balance her roles as a wife and mother with being a working woman as well when she began working at Howmet Corp. as a finisher. Joann became a dedicated employee who worked there for 35 years until she retired on January 1, 1990. Once their children were grown, Joann and Lowell enjoyed new things that brought them much joy. They loved traveling and fondly recalled the times they spent in Hawaii and Las Vegas and they eventually wintered in a Gulf Shores condominium, until 2003. When their grandchildren began arriving, Joann delighted in them as she had in her own children and loved spending every moment with them that she could. With her leisure time, Joann pursued interests that were unique to her. Joann loved spending time with her best friend, Sandy Peterson, who was her next door neighbor on Marcoux St., a friendship the two shared for 45 years. Joann was an excellent cook and her recipes were often sought after, but unfortunately could not be shared as they were not written down. She was also a talented baker, enjoyed reading, and grew the spiciest carnations around. In addition, Joann enjoyed the faith and fellowship at her church home, Fellowship Reformed Church. Life became more difficult for Joann and her loved ones when she was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease. As she became increasingly affected by the disease, it was difficult for her family to witness, but they rejoiced in her ability communicate by smiling and saying hi. Joann Decker was a delightful woman who could be a bit stubborn when it came to matters she felt passionate about. She was a devoted wife and mother and a compassionate friend too. Joann lived each day to its fullest, embracing both the peaks and valleys along lifes journey. She will be dearly missed. Joann J. Decker died Friday, April 24, 2009. Joanns family includes her son, Mark Decker of Muskegon; daughters, Karen (Dennis) Rich of Twin Lake & Patricia Decker of Muskegon; 8 grandchildren; several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lowell in 2007 & a brother, Stanley Portenga. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Chapel with Rev. Greg VanderMeer officiating. Interment at Restlawn Cemetery. Visit with Joanns family and friends on Wednesday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or make a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer Association or Fellowship Reformed Church.