Betty Jane Decker

1941 - 2025

Betty Decker, 84, of Waukon, IA, passed away Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Good Samaritan Society in Waukon.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 25th, at 11:00 AM at Zion United Church of Christ in Waukon with Rev. Cathy Jurgens officiating. Burial will be held in Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may greet the family from 4:00 - 7:00 PM Friday, October 24th, at Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon. Betty had a generous spirit; to continue her giving, the family requests in lieu of flowers please make donations to the Waukon Fire Department, Veterans Memorial Hospital, The Oakland Cemetery, Zion United Church of Christ, all in Waukon, or a charity of your choice.

Betty Jane (Brinker) Decker, was born May 25, 1941, to Elmer and Ruby (Renk) Brinker. Betty was baptized and confirmed at St. Luke's Church in Eitzen, MN. She received her early education in Eitzen and Dorchester and graduated from Waukon High School in the class of 1959.

Following high school, she ventured to Cedar Rapids, IA, to work for Collins in a clerical position. She enjoyed the car rides to and from Cedar Rapids with her friends much more than she enjoyed the work. While attending a birthday party with her friend Judy Barr, she met George Decker. She decided that farm life back home is what she desired. Betty and George were married on October 15, 1960, at St. Luke's United Church of Christ in Eitzen.

In 1962, she and George purchased the family farm in Jefferson Township, Allamakee County, where they built their life together. Throughout the years, the family farm took on many ventures including raising beef cattle, dairy cows, hogs, and crops.

Though cooking was never her favorite task, Betty always made sure that the family and hired help were fed a hearty meal - often featuring meat and potatoes. Family would disagree with her stating she was not a good cook as her homemade pie crust, pumpkin pie, soft meat and noodles, and deer hunter bars were loved by all.

Betty worked hard providing for her family. She loved the outdoors, mowing the yard, gardening, canning, and trips to the Hollow. Many of her favorite things were sewing, making quilts for all her grandchildren, many of which would have loved to acquire another one, and making plastic canvas projects that she donated to many friends and church charities. Betty spent many hours coloring, but insisted on using colored pencils verses crayons. She took great pride in her coloring skills, often gifting books she colored to friends. She also enjoyed going to auctions to visit with her many friends and pick up some collectibles.

Betty was not a person to sit still. She was always on the go and enjoyed being around people. She was active in the community as a member of the Allamakee Dairy Darlings, Farm Bureau Ladies Association, and Homemaker Club. In the later years, Wednesdays were reserved for coffee with the Class of '59 at the S&D. For several years, Betty often drove neighbors and friends to appointments. After she was no longer able to drive, this was repaid with dear friends making sure she could still attend many activities. Betty was deeply grateful for the friendships that kept her connected to the people she loved.

Faith was central to Betty's life. She seldom missed a Sunday service and began each morning reading her daily devotions. She was a longtime member of Zion United Church of Christ in Waukon and a member of the Esther Circle. She served on many church committees, proudly made shut-in gifts for many years, and was appreciated for her skills putting the quilting frame together.

Her greatest blessing in life was her grandchildren, with whom she shared a close and loving bond. She always had licorice, candy bars, and root beer waiting for their visits. She enjoyed attending as many of their activities that she could and eagerly waited to hear about those she was unable to attend.

Betty is survived by her children: Molly Decker of Waukon, Marcia (Craig) Westendorf of Paulding, OH, Michael (Frannie) Decker of Waukon, and Bradley (Becky) Decker of Luana, IA; 11 grandchildren: Alisha White, Nick (Nikki Scranton) White, Tiffany Verfaillie, Sadie (Ryan) Church, Samantha Hampton, Andrew (Shandi) Decker, Corey (Abbey Swanson) Decker, Erin (Coady) Heiderscheit, Bronte (Adam Enyart) Decker, Desmond (Nicole) Decker, and Denzel Decker; along with two step-grandchildren: Heidi (Ashley) Gerleman and Katie (Ryan) Boos. She was blessed with 17 great-grandchildren: Tanner White, Blake Trausch, Aleigha White, Mackinlee Vance, Harper and Owen Verfaillie, Alex and T'laiyah Leiran, Brysen and Trevin Anderson, Shawtayah Hampton, Aleena Walker, Cylas and Camden Heiderscheit, and Adalynn, Clay, and Emmett Decker; 14 step-great-grandchildren: Tucker Clark, Grace and Cora Cummings, Emma, Anna, Alayna, and Devin Boos, Jaxson, Macyn, Landry, and Holden Schultz, and Taitym, Teghyn, and Kyla Limkemann. Betty is also survived by her in-laws: Maureen Wagner, Annabelle Marti, Geraldine Thies, and Janice (Norman) Melheim.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband George in 2009, and her sister Elnora (John) Weymiller. Betty was also preceded in death by her mother and father-in-law Ernest and Cora Decker; brothers and sisters-in-law: Helen (Maloy) Johanningmeier, Wylo Wagner, Richard Marti, Avis (Joseph) Berns, Bernetta (Randall) Appleton, Ernest Decker, and Gerald Decker.

Honorary casket bearers are the Class of 1959. Betty's grandchildren will serve as casket bearers.

Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.