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William Decker Obituary
Dr. William Joseph Decker, age 76, Waupaca, WI, passed away on Monday, August 20th, 2012 at his home in Waupaca with his family at his side. He was born in Alpha, NJ on June 26, 1936, a son of the late William and Margaret (Schramco) Decker.
He married Nancy Cornwell on August 24, 1961 in Elmhurst, IL.
Bill was a connoisseur of life. He loved his Nancy, his family and friends who brought him so much joy and laughter. His favorite sports teams were Syracuse, Badgers, Yankees and the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed the mountains, running, biking and swimming. He was a passionate reader. Bill summited Mt. Kilimanjaro three years ago. He was a member of the New York Runners Club. Bill finished 15 marathons. He received his Ed.D from Columbia University. Bill was Assistant Superintendent for 15 years in Beloit and Superintendent for the Menasha School District for 10 years and was awarded Wisconsin Superintendent of the year. Before he retired, he and Nancy spent 5 years in Kuwait, where Bill was Superintendent of the American School of Kuwait. He and Nancy traveled the world together.
Survivors include his Wife: Nancy Decker, Waupaca, WI; Children: Melanie (Jeffrey) Whitcomb, Elmhurst, IL; Kerry (Michael) Rutishauser, New York, NY; Grandchildren: Allison, Emily and Julia Whitcomb; Wyatt and Weston Rutishauser. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Shirley.
Funeral Services will be held at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca at 3 PM on Saturday, August 25th, 2012. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 1 PM until the time of the service at the funeral home.
We love you -
Nanc, Mel, Duffy, Al-the-Kids Pal, Emy, Jules, the Berg, West-on-West-End, the Double Jeffs and Mr. Queens.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Decker
Amy Phillips
August 16, 2020
I am so sorry...I am thinking about your family and sending hugs and prayers. I so enjoyed working with Dr Decker at ASK! ❤
September 11, 2012
Nancy - So sorry to hear about Bill. Sandi and I conjured up wonderful memories of Bill regaling us at NESA meetings - somehow his delightful grin when the Filipino band played his request for "Up Against The Wall Redneck Mother" at the Sheraton IN YEMEN (!!!) remains our picture of the man. From our perspective, you two really did it right - enjoying that second career in international schools. Bill was one of the great ones, and we're all missing something knowing he's not with us. Wishes for grand memories and strength to you.
Rick and Sandi Detwiler
[email protected]
Amy Hocking-Phillips
August 26, 2012
I am sooooo sorry to hear about the passing of Bill!! I really enjoyed working under Bill at The American School Of Kuwait. Bill and Nancy were like my parents while I was there. He will truly be missed.
Suzanne Klein
August 26, 2012
Bill was a once-in-a-lifetime master in the field of education. I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to have worked with him during his ten years at Menasha School District. He touched every teacher and classroom EVERY week by walking in to just say "Hello" to each of us and remaining connected. His Superintendent of the Year award should be extended to that of Superintendent of a lifetime. My condolences and prayers are with the family for such a huge loss. May your hearts soon be filled with your own wonderful memories of the joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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Jim Justman
August 24, 2012
Bill sought out wisdom and shared it so well. He was interested in learning. I will miss him dearly. His life was full and blessed by the family he loved with his whole heart. His beloved Nancy blessed him with the goodness. Fairwell dear friend. We shall meet again+
Tom Westermeyer
August 24, 2012
Bill was the most supportive and effective superintendent that I as a principal ever worked for. Above all I will always cherish his friendship. I know Bill and George Steinbrenner are looking down and hoping for another Yankees championship. My heartfelt condolences to Nancy and the family.
Daniel Schooff
August 24, 2012
On behalf of our family and our community, Bill will be missed. Bill and the Decker Family were true friends of the Beloit community.
Karen Harris
August 23, 2012
To Dr. Decker's family... so sorry for your loss. Hope you find peace through this difficult time.
I remember Dr. Decker was Superintendent of Menasha School District when I was in First Grade (1986-ish). I got a picture taken with him for winning a placemat contest at school. That photo was published in the paper. Wish I still had a copy of that picture. I felt so special that time. Dr. Decker was, in my opinion, the best Superintendent that school system ever had. He will be truly missed. Rest In Peace, Dr. Decker ! Now you can keep watch over the schools in Heaven !
Becky/Craig Ness
August 23, 2012
Bill hired us here in Kuwait and gave us an opportunity of a life time. He was a fair and honest person that we could all respect. His love of sports as well as great reading always gave us something to discuss.
You made a great difference in the lives of so many. That is truly a remarkable life.
We will miss you.
Becky and Craig Ness
Fritz & Derin Cameron
August 23, 2012
As the Athletic Director at the American School of Kuwait, I had the good fortune and pleasure to be Robin to Bill's Batman during his five years there. We all benefited enormously from Bill's leadership style, as he was truly a coaches' coach. The opportunity to experience Bill's colorful story telling when we traveled together to AD meetings in the middle east is something that I will always treasure. Most of all, however, I will remember his sense of humor. When his beloved Packers won on Sunday night, rest assured that when he made his rounds that included a stop at my office on Monday morning, he would be wearing his famous green jacket, asking who won the Packer game last night as he hadn't yet heard the score. Of course Bill always knew the score!
Nancy, Melanie and Kerry ... thanks for sharing Bill with us
Steven Wicihowski
August 23, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Dr. Decker. I was a student at Nicolet Elementary, when Dr. Decker was the Superintendent of the Menasha Joint School District. I remember when I was in the newspaper, he would clip out the picture/article and would mail it to my home. Dr. Decker was an extraordinary Superintendent to the teachers and to the students. Dr. Decker, we will surely miss you.
Ty Evans
August 22, 2012
My dearest sympathy to the family of Bill Decker. I was a student in the Beloit School District back when he was an assistant superintendent and I went to school with his daughter Kerry. He was a great person that had a profound impact on my life as a young boy and I wanted to express my deepest sympathy to the family. Bill lived a full life and left a deep, profound legacy. God is welcoming another angel home.
Phil Ertl
August 22, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with Bill's family. He was a true inspirational leader and someone I will always admire. I can't thank him enough for the path he guided me down.
Tim & Barb Olson
August 22, 2012
Our sympathy to Bill's family. He came to Menasha when we needed a real leader and visionary. His impact here is still felt by many.
Carolyn and Noble Rose
August 22, 2012
Accept our sorrow Nancy, Melanie and Kerry, in hearing of Bill's death. Neenah friends, one of whom had met Bill here in Green Valley, knew of our connection and e-mailed the Appleton Post-Crescent obituary just this afternoon. We will continue to remember Bill for his vitality and humor as well as savoring our times together in Beloit and Green Valley. We will remain in touch
August 22, 2012
Bill Decker was a class act. Menasha was fortunate to have him as their superintendent. Our family had much respect for him. Sending prayers your way. Sue Erdmann (widow of Dave, mother of Christi and Katie)
August 22, 2012
In loving memory of a brilliant educational leader. Bill's positive attitude supported teachers and students in the Menasha Public School System for many years. He left a lasting impression on all of us.
Our thoughts are with all of you.
The Scandin Family - Jim, MaryJo, Corey, Gigi and Angela
Steve, Su, Steph, Matt, Paige Figi
August 22, 2012
An "extraordinary bridge-builder" and "bright light" in every community he served...we shall miss Bill's personal approach to building consensus and respect for everyone. Bill modeled "leadership" to every person he mentored. May we do the same to honor his family and his legacy,
The Figi Family
Mark & Noreen French
August 22, 2012
A true educational leader,! He will be missed by the many he encouraged and helped. Our prayers are with Nancy and the girls and grandchildren.
Gary & Gloria Klug
August 22, 2012
Our thought are with you, Nancy and family.
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