Lowell A. Decker

Lowell Decker loved his life. Happily married to his one true love, the proud father of three children and the doting grandfather of eight grandchildren, he lived each day as though it was the best day of his life. And it was. A big man with a big heart, Lowell blessed the lives of all those around him. Lowell was born in Muskegon, Michigan on January 23, 1930, during a difficult time in American history, the Great Depression. Despite the economic hardships of the era, Lowells parents, Peter and Celia (Dephouse) Decker, tried very hard to provide a healthy and stable home for their five children. Peter earned a living working at Shaw Box Crane while Celia took care of the family as well as ran a buttermilk delivery route. The family was of Dutch descent and attended the Dutch Reformed Church. Lowell was the third of five children: Edwin, Lucille (who died of pneumonia at age 3), Lowell, Ardyce and Ronald. Growing up, he and his brother Edwin loved to pal around together, going fishing and riding their bikes all over Muskegon. When they came back home from a day of playing, Lowell was always greeted with wet kisses from his dog Sally. By the time he was eleven, Lowell was working in the celery flats, while also attending school in the Muskegon Public Schools. As a teenager, he was a handsome young devil and had lots of girlfriends to show for it. He liked to take his dates roller skating on the Causeway and Western Avenue. Lowell graduated from Muskegon High School in 1948. A short time later, his sister, Ardyce, introduced him to a lovely young lady named Joann Portenga, at the Curvecrest Roller Rink. Although Lowell had a girlfriend at the time, Joann adamantly said after meeting him, He will be mine. And as fate would have it, the two began dating. Lowell and Joann were practically from two different worlds, with him being raised in the city and her in the country. But no matter what they did, they always had fun. In 1951, Lowell received his draft notice from the U.S. Army to serve his country during the Korean Conflict. He honorably served as a Paratrooper with the 11th Airborne, but luckily never had to go overseas. Before Lowell left for his military tour, Joann wanted them to get married. So on a weekend furlough, he came home and married his sweetheart in the Fifth Reformed Church of Muskegon on May 29, 1951. With no time or money, the newlyweds used their drive back to Fort Bragg as their honeymoon. While Lowell stayed on base, Joann lived nearby in a rented home. Upon his honorable discharge in 1953, Lowell and Joann made their way back to Muskegon, where they hoped to raise their own family. Lowell went to work at Mayflower Van Lines, but also began building their first house on Shirley Blvd. Once settled, it wasnt long before the couple filled their hearts and home with the joy of three children: Pat (1953), Mark (1955) and Karen (1962). Just before their youngest daughter was born, the family moved to a new home at 2494 Marcoux Street. Here, they were close to Lowells family and there were lots of neighborhood kids for his kids to play with. It was also about this time that Lowell went to work as an operator at Dresser Industries, while Joann worked at Howmet Corp. When not working, Lowells time was spent with his family. Traditionally, they ate dinner early on Sundays so to have time for their leisure Sunday drive. Then, in the evening, the family gathered around the TV with some popcorn to watch Walt Disney and Ed Sullivan. Although Lowell was a pretty simple man, he had a very peculiar taste in food. Some of his favorites included green cheese on toast, pickled herring, sardines and cows tongue soaked in buttermilk. With their children grown and on their own, Lowell and Joann took the opportunity to do some traveling, and they ventured to Hawaii, Las Vegas, Canada for some fishing and Wyoming for deer hunting. Being the outdoorsy type, Lowell bought some property on Little Bass Lake in Irons, Michigan, where with his daughter Karen alongside him, they built a family cottage. For many years, this was the weekend gathering spot for all the family as well as the location of the large Decker family reunions. Lowell and his brother-in-law, Stan, looked for any excuse to get a horseshoe tournament; they were fanatics. Tragically, Lowells father died in a car accident at the age of 73, and his mother died in 1991 of heart problems. Lowell was a man who cared for everyone he knew, and he expressed this care though his generosity and willingness to always lend a helping hand. He was a skilled carpenter and over the years he helped build many homes with his brothers and in-laws. In 1990, Joann was diagnosed with breast cancer and Lowell was vigilantly by her side through everything. That same year, they both decided to retire early, and Lowell left Dresser after 30 years. They also sold the cottage and began going south to Gulf Shores, Alabama, where they spent the winter golfing, and spending time with their good friends. Lowell was a member of the Fellowship Reformed Church, Muskegon Heights Eagles and the American Legion. Although Lowells life was happy, it was also marked by great sorrow. In 2002, his beloved wife Joann was diagnosed with Alzheimers, and he once again tenderly cared for her every need. Then, in November 2006, Lowells health began to decline and for eight months he suffered with several health problems. But with his love for life, he never gave up willingly and fought for every day. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. Lowell A. Decker, age 77, died on Monday, August 27, 2007, at his home surrounded by his family. Lowell is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joann Decker; son, Mark Decker; 2 daughters, Karen (Dennis) Rich, Patricia Decker, all of Muskegon; 8 grandchildren: Janet, David, Jacob, Zachary, Lisa, Alec, Tyler & Caroline; brother, Ronald (Sheree)Decker of Muskegon; sister, Ardyce (Ronald) Zuidema of Muskegon; several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Edwin; sister, Lucille; and brother-in-law, Stan Portenga. Services for Lowell will be held on Friday, August 31, at 11:00 a.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon in Clock Chapel with Rev. Greg VanderMeer officiating. Interment at Restlawn Cemetery. A time of visitation is set aside for Friday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Fellowship Reformed Church. Please visit Lowells memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory with his family or sign the online guest book.