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NILS M. DECKER

FUNERAL HOME

Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home

836 E. Nees Ave.

Fresno, California

NILS DECKER Obituary

Nils M. Decker passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2017. He was born in Mt. Clemens, MI. Mr. Decker started his career in education at St. Alphonso's School in Fresno and continued at Orange Center School in Fresno and ended it with 25 years as Principal and Superintendent at Laton Unified School District in Fresno County. He positively influenced the lives of thousands of children with his dedication to education and self-improvement and helping young people reach for the stars. His greatest legacy was what he did for others, always the helper, the giver, the friend. He will be missed by anyone lucky enough to have known him, his smile, his sense of humor and his genuineness. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Diana; sons Timothy J. Decker of Pagosa Springs, CO, Scott A. Decker and wife Maria, of Clovis; and daughter Katherine Decker of Fresno. He is also survived by grandchildren, Michael Hill, Jadyn Garrett, and Nicholas Decker and great-granddaughter Neelia Grace Hill, all of Fresno. In addition a sister; Margo Bellman and a brother Gordon survive in Michigan, along with many nieces; and nephews both in California and Michigan. A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Paul Catholic Newman Center on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society or the individual's favorite charity. Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 1525 East Saginaw Way, Fresno, California (559)227-4048

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

Published by Fresno Bee on Feb. 19, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for NILS DECKER

14 Entries

Carlos Lopez

July 20, 2022

R I P mr.decker thank you for being a great principle and loved playing flag football with you in elementary at Laton

Gordon Decker

March 3, 2017

Sad day lost my brother I will miss him. Great time with Nils and Diana this past fall , cousins reunion and a visit wih my sisters family what a blessing.Sad we couldn't be there. Always remember that time together rest with Jesus!

Gene Roza

February 26, 2017

Our Love to the Decker family on the loss of our Brother Mike.......over 50 years ago he was introduced as my shipmate stationed at Treasure Island ..... in short time Mike & Diana found each other as fate had designed and it was an absolute perfect match....Over those years we remember what a wonderful caring person he was and know he continues that peaceful path where he was welcomed by many who preceded him..Mike or Mr. Decker as many knew him will attest to the fact as an educator, teacher, Principle, Husband, Brother, Father, Grandfather and even Great Grandfather he was perfect in all aspects. R I P Brother.

Patt Munro

February 24, 2017

I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of this wonderful man and educator. I was hired as a teachers aid at Orange Center when I was in College. Mike was one of the reasons I became an educator myself in the Clovis Unified School district. Prayers for his family. I know he will be missed by many.

Teresa Garcia

February 21, 2017

I am deeply saddened by the news of Mike Decker's passing. I send prayers for peace and resilience to the family. I, too, was one of the many lives shaped by Mr. Decker's dedication to Laton. We were all very blessed to have the opportunity to interact with him in life.

Peter Livanis

February 21, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are go out to the entire Decker family. Diana, Mike was the best teacher I ever had, but he was even more a great friend who influenced my life greatly! May his memory be eternal and God bless you and your family.

Leroy & Donna Bollinger

February 21, 2017

Diana, We are thinking of you and your family. Our sincere condolences at this time. Keep close family, friends and memories.

Joe Parreira

February 20, 2017

My deepest condolences for you and your family in this time of loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all your family in this time of grievance. Mr. Decker was a good man who will always be remembered for all he did for us students and the entire school community. His proactive engagement, involvement, respect, and commitment to his work made leaders of many of us and we appreciate it; (even those of us who might have got in trouble once or twice).
Thank you Mr. Decker :-)
Joe (Laton Elementary School 1985-1991)

Lucas Garza

February 20, 2017

My deepest condolences to the Decker family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. If it were not for Mr. Decker I would've of not become a teacher or had a successful career in the educational field for 28+ years! I'll be forever grateful to his belief in me, his guidance & mentorship but most importantly his friendship. He'll be truly missed by many.

Edward Jakusz

February 19, 2017

It is with great sympathy for the passing of Mike. Enjoyed talking with him in the neighborhood.
The Jakusz family.

Vincent Diak

February 18, 2017

My deepest condolences to Diana and the entire Decker Family. Thoughts and prayers during this time.

Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Chapel

February 19, 2017

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Kathy Belleman

February 17, 2017

We had a short time this past summer with the family here in Michigan. Uncle Nils I will always remember the time Mom, Aunt Diana and you sat on the back porch here and just sat in each other's present. I will always carry a lunch for Mom when we travel. I love you and really truly miss you. You have made an imprint on my heart.

September 20, 2016 Family Reunion

Steve Fiori

February 15, 2017

The last time all of the first cousins were together in Michigan, September 2016. What a great time on a beautiful Michigan fall day sharing old photos and great memories. Our deepest condolences to the California Decker family. Nils was so well liked and his kindness and wisdom left lasting imprints on so many young people. Nils, Rest in Peace you will be missed.

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