Russell A. Decker, 87, of Casco and formerly of Stroudsburg PA, passed away peacefully Tuesday January 8, 2013 at Anna's House. He was born to the late Robert and Sadie (Lambert) Decker on October 29, 1925. He is a 1947 graduate of East Stroudsburg High. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during WWII and later in the Army National Guard during the Korean War. In 1948 he married Dolores L. Buck. Russell worked many jobs throughout his lifetime. He served as a police officer for 29 years and retired in 1981 as Chief of Police from the Borough of Stroudsburg PA Police Dept. He was a member of the National F.O.P. Lodge 75 of Stroudsburg PA. He was a well-respected member of the community receiving many awards. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and telling his grandchildren stories of his military and police life. He will be remembered in Casco as the man who rode around in the red electric wheelchair.
He is survived by his two sons Ross (Kathy) Decker , Pocono Summit PA; Scott (Terry) Decker, Casco; three sisters Betty Decker, Ruth Crane, and Audrey (Russell) Transue; two sisters-in-law Alberta Decker, and Molly Decker; grandchildren Mandy (Norman) Grogg, Heather Decker, Amanda Culley, Connie Hendricks (Kevin Umentum), Amy (Darrick) Wendricks,; great-grandchildren Morgan, Lailah, Allie, Rex, Bradley, and Michael. Russell was preceded in death by sisters, brothers, and brothers-in-law Margaret (Harold) Treible, Robert Jr. Decker, Carl Decker, Wally Crane; one nephew Charles (Chip) Decker; one grandchild Teda Swagel; and twin great-grandsons Shawn and Parker Wendricks.
Visitation will be held at Wiesner & Massart Funeral Home, Casco, on Sunday January 13, 2013 from 1-3 p.m. Funeral service and military service will follow at the funeral home at 3 p.m. with Pastor Doreen Jeffers officiating. Burial will be on Monday January 14, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery in Oconto Falls with full military rites. Online condolences may be shared here . In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established. Memorials may be mailed to Scott and Terry Decker, 313 East Ave., Casco, WI 54205.
Russell was a loving father, mentor, and a true friend to those who knew him. He will be sadly missed by all. A special thank-you to the staff at Anna's House and Unity Hospice for the gentle and caring manner in which Russell was treated during his last days with us.
