Gaylen E. Decker

Gaylen Decker of Orchard Lake was born December 28, 1940 in Lake City, Iowa to Robert and Ione (nee: Wilson) Decker. He died at home January 9, 2026 at the age of 85.
Gaylen is the beloved husband of 58 years to Pamela Decker. Loving father of Rachel Decker Jordan and Elizabeth J. Linville. Grandfather of Taylor, Noah, Payton, Cadie, Sawyer and Harper. Dear brother of Tracy (Scott) Goodell, his twin, Garlen (the late Sharon) Decker and the late Terry Decker. He is also survived by his niece Kimberly (Jim) Rutz along with numerous other nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Gaylen moved to Michigan from Lake City, Iowa as a child and started school at Dublin Elementary. He returned to Iowa and graduated from Wayne State College in Nebraska. Upon graduation, he returned to Dublin Elementary where he began his teaching career and later taught at other schools in the Walled Lake Consolidated School District, having spent most of his career at Walled Lake Western. While at Western, he enjoyed supporting all of the sports teams and was the announcer at home football games for many years. After retiring from teaching, Gaylen worked as a loan officer at the Walled Lake Schools Federal Credit Union where he worked until his second retirement. Gaylen was best known for his incredible skills in the kitchen. His food tasted like pure love.
A memorial service will be held at Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church, 2905 South Commerce Rd. Wolverine Lake on Monday, February 9th at 11 AM. Friends may visit at the church, 10 AM until time of service. Memorials to The American Diabetes Association appreciated.