Karl Decker Obituary

Karl Decker
Karl Decker of Monroe, CT and Townshend, VT died March 18th 2021 at home in Monroe at 88 years of age.
Karl was a teacher, photographer, writer, husband, father and grandfather.
Karl was born November 14, 1932 in Boston, MA. His parents were Dr. Briant L. Decker of Idaho Falls, ID and Anna Marie Eggertson of Provo, UT. He lived in Brookline, MA and on the extended family farm in Townshend, VT. His claim to a small place in American history was that two of his great-great-great aunts, Clara Decker and Lucy Decker were two of the Mormom prophet Brigham Young's wives and the only ones to accompany Young in 1847 on the Mormon immigration to what is now Salt Lake City.
Karl graduated from Milton Academy in 1950, Colby College in 1954, and Columbia University in 1960. During his military service he married Merrillyn Anne Healey of West Hartford CT. They were married for 65 years.
In the 1960s, he and Merrillyn founded and edited the local newspaper, the Monroe Courier. He was also a supervisor in the Fairfield County Soil and Water Conservation District.
An avid life-long photographer, in 1987, he studied photography as a fine art with a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. He also began a documentary project, photographing and writing stories about the people of Townshend which culminated in a 2012 book, The People of Townshend, Vermont.
He taught at Staples High School in Westport from 1960-1999. After leaving Staples High School, he worked for Vermont Magazine for six years traveling throughout the state writing and photographing stories of life mainly in the very small, back country towns. His observations on the critical social and declining economic conditions in these towns culminated in a lecture presentation, "The Tour Buses Don't Stop Here Anymore" at Colby College and three Vermont Colleges.
After writing some dozen short stories, and two brief residencies at the Vermont College of Fine Art in Montpelier, Karl began work on a novel, Seeing Emily Home, set in the Depression years in a small, dying Vermont town.
He leaves his wife, Merrillyn, daughter Christine Lowry and her children Brian Jeffries and Danielle Marenholz with their spouses, son Lawrence Decker and his wife Holly and their children Bryce, Silas, and Carly, and daughter Karen Decker and her sons Matthew and Jonathan.
A celebration of Karl's life will be held at a later date. Messages may be sent to: [email protected]. Contributions may be made in Karl's memory to the American Civil Liberties Union, Doctors Without Borders, and the Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend. Karl's last words were, reportedly,
"Don't mourn for me, I'll be close by whenever I hear your laughter."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Westport-News & Connecticut Post on Mar. 20, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Karl Decker

11 Entries

Holly Beams Smiley

March 14, 2025

A kind , encouraging and lovely man . I was lucky to have him as my teacher.Holly Beams Smiley

Holly ( Beams) Smiley

April 25, 2021

Ooops! I graduated from Staples in 1964! Never was great with numbers!

Holly (Beams) Smiley

April 23, 2021

Mr Decker was my favorite teacher ever. His caring creative guidance was a breath of fresh air! I loved journaling with him and still love reading his comments. I graduated from Staples in 1968 and that was long ago but I still have my journal. He was a gift to so many students!

Albert Washicko

March 24, 2021

I am so saddened to hear that this wonderfully talented gentleman's life has reached it's end. My deepest sympathies to Merrillyn and all of his children and grandchildren. May the sorrow you now feel soon be replaced by joyful memories of the years you shared with this exemplary husband, father, teacher and artist.

Georgiann and Frank Ackley

March 23, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We have so many memories and loved reading the Monroe Courier We moved from Monroe to Mount Dora Fl in 1996. Sending our deepest sympathy to you, Marilyn,and the rest of the family.

Georgiann and Frank Ackley

March 23, 2021

Marlyn, I am so sorry to hear about Karl's death. It certainly brings back many memories as we moved from Monroe back in 1996 to Mount Dora Florida. Always loved reading the Monroe Courier. Again so sorry for you and the rest of your family

Charlie & Nancy Terry

March 23, 2021

So sad. While we were across the street for only one year 1977!!! Karl had a way of creating lifelong memories and connection with Nancy and me.

Brad Durrell

March 22, 2021

I had the pleasure of interacting with Karl when editor of the Monroe Courier, many years after his involvement with starting the town's local newspaper. He was kind and helpful. In particular, I fondly recall visiting Karl's home to spend time with him and Merrillyn for a historical project/article. Their love of Monroe, journalism and Vermont was obvious to everyone around them. He made a positive difference in so many lives through his endeavors and will be missed.

Dan and Sue Szymanski

March 21, 2021

He always made us feel like family and made us laugh whenever we spoke on the phone or went to his home.He always had a twinkle in his eye. We will miss him,he was a very special neighbor and friend

Kathy Santry Gallant

March 21, 2021

I was so sorry to hear of Karl's passing. Our families were neighbors sixty or so years ago, on Elm Street, and the Decker "family photo Christmas card" was a holiday highlight for us, for decades--Karl's photographs were wonderful. My brother, Bob, was delighted to bump into Karl at the UVM campus in recent years.
Our father, Bob, is 92, and lives in a nursing home on Cape Cod. Our mother, Betty, passed away 02/12/2020. I empathize with you at this sorrowful time.
May your memories bring you peace and comfort.
Warmest regards and sincere condolences,
Kathy Santry Gallant