Joseph F. Decker

1936 - 2025

Joseph F. Decker, beloved husband, father, grandfather, physician, and servant of God, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025, in Providence, Utah, at the age of 88.

Joseph was born on December 31, 1936, in Ainsworth, Nebraska, and raised in Alliance, Nebraska. A dedicated student with a passion for science and service, he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry from the University of Nebraska and went on to graduate from the University's Medical School, where he began a lifelong journey of healing and compassion.

While in medical school, Joseph met the love of his life, Dixie Packard. They were sealed together for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple in 1961. Together, they built a beautiful life centered around faith, family, and service. It was in Omaha that their first two children were born, Michael and Karl.

Joseph completed a pediatrics residency at UCLA, where their third child, William, was born.

Shortly after, the young family moved to Germany, where Joseph served honorably as a physician in the U.S. military for three years. During their time abroad, two more sons, Robert and Ronald, joined the family.

Following his military service, Joseph pursued a surgical residency at the renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where their daughter Kathleen was born. After completing his training, Joseph and his growing family settled in Logan, Utah, where he established a successful surgical practice and welcomed their youngest child, Jonathan, into the family- making it seven children in total: six boys and one daughter.

A man of deep faith and unwavering commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ, Joseph served in many church callings throughout his life, including as a bishop to a college-aged singles ward- guiding and ministering to many young adults with wisdom and kindness. After retiring from medicine, Joseph and Dixie served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southeastern United States Area. Upon their return, they continued their faithful service as ordinance workers in the Logan Utah Temple for over a decade. Shortly after their years of temple service, Dixie passed away, leaving a tender void in Joseph's heart.

Joseph had a deep love for craftsmanship and found joy in woodworking, creating beautiful pieces of furniture that will be treasured by generations to come. He also loved fishing and spending time in the outdoors- but nothing brought him greater joy than being with his family.

He is survived by his seven children and their Spouses: Michael and Maren, Karl and Elizabeth, William and Cindy, Robert and Wynlee, Ronald and Jenny, Kathleen and Alex Wurm, Jonathan and Alyson, along with 23 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren who carry on his legacy of service, and love.

Joseph's life was one of quiet strength, selfless dedication, and enduring love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A funeral service will be held on October 11 at 11:00 am at the Riverside Ward (325 Lauralin Drive) in Logan, with a viewing held prior from 9:30-10:30am.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.allenmortuaries.com.