Don Deckert

 

Walter Don Deckert of Porcupine, SD, was born in Rushville, Nebraska, on July 10, 1940, to William and Josie Deckert. He died July 31, 2023. His wishes were to be cremated and buried beside his partner of 59 years, Patricia, on the hill above the ranch in the cemetery he built for them. Don said before he passed to not mourn for him as he is with Pat now.

Don lived all his life on the ranch his Dad established in the early 30’s. In the 60’s Don and Pat bought the home place and continued to ranch.  Don and Pat were married in February of 1961 and to this union 4 kids showed up; Curtis, Laura, Bob, and Sis, and there are a bunch of grandkids.

Don was a life member of many clubs, such as the NRA, NBRSA, IBS, NTA, and the Nebraska Longhorn Association.

Don and Pat owned and operated the Prairie Dog Target Club, started in 1978, and it is still going strong today. On July 10, 2020, a tornado destroyed most of the loading area, bench covers, and half of the restroom building. With the help of Bill Pond, Mel Klasi and other club members they got it all put back together in time for the memorial match for Pat on September 5, 2020.

Don loved to hunt and trap with his best friend Vereen Forster; they shot a million prairie dogs. He collected traps, old Winchester rifles, and Colt pistols. Don had other great friends, Bill Pond, Tom Beck, Charlie Shellaberger, Tack Tackenberg, Tim Stamm and Tom Utter (deceased). Thank you guys, for the friendship, especially you Tom.

Don was preceded in death by his loving wife Pat, his father William, mother Josie, brothers Lloyd and Fritz, sister Lilly, nephews Virgil and Butch, Uncle Max, his in laws Joe and Mildred Leavitt, his niece’s son Robby and daughter-in-law Melissa.

Left behind are his children Curtis and family, Laura and family, Sis and family, Bob and Max, nephew Mike, sister Norma and family and everybody else we haven’t mentioned.

Don didn’t want a big funeral, just a simple deal up on the hill at the family cemetery, with family and friends. Memorial services will be Saturday, September 2, 2023, 2;00pm, at the family cemetery, 287 County Rd 6, Porcupine, SD.