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Wilma Dekker Obituary
Sheboygan - Wilma "Willy" Dekker, 92, of Sheboygan, went home to Heaven on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at Sheboygan Progressive Health Services, where she had been receiving care for one week. Wilma was born April 22, 1926 to the late Henry and Christina (Yurk) Leonhardt. She attended Jefferson Elementary School and graduated from Sheboygan North High School in 1944.
Wilma started working at Sachse's Leather and Gift Store when she was 16 years old, and after taking time off to raise her three children, she continued working part-time at Sachse's until retiring in 2005, a span of 63 years! She was a buyer and the ultimate sales clerk, and she loved assisting customers.
On April 3, 1948, she married John M. Dekker at First Christian Reformed Church, which is now Christ Community Church, in Sheboygan. They were blessed with 58 years of marriage until his death in 2006.
Willy was an avid sports fan and especially loved following the Brewers and Badgers. She enjoyed reading and playing cards and will be missed by her many friends at Mapledale Village.
Survivors include her two sons, Tom (Laura) Dekker, Colgate and Todd (Carol) Dekker, Sheboygan; five grandchildren, Jacob, Zachary, John (Annie), Hannah and Sam (Olivia) Dekker; one brother-in-law, Marv (Ruth) Dekker and one sister-in-law, Corrine Smies. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents and husband, Wilma was preceded in death by one daughter, Renee, three sisters, Esther (Elmer) Zittel, Marie (Al) Warnecke and Lenie (Don) Winter and four brothers, Henry (Maude) Leonhardt, Edward (Lil) Leonhardt, Clarence (Odie) Leonhardt and Artie Leonhardt.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at Christ Community Church (428 Geele Ave., Sheboygan) with Rev. Joshua Van Engen officiating. Friends may call on Saturday, at the church, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow at Wildwood Cemetery. Please visit www.ballhornchapels.com to send condolences. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established to be used for Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School or Sheboygan Christian High School.
Willy was a devoted mother and grandmother who cherished time spent with her family. She will be remembered for her friendly nature, gift of conversation, and the twinkle in her eye!
The family would like to extend a special thank you to her "niece" Claire Potter Alger for the devotion, companionship and care she gave to Willy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wilma Dekker
Sponsored by Ballhorn Chapels Funeral & Cremation Care Center.
Scotty Poth
January 9, 2019
Dear Todd and the Dekker Family, we just learned of the passing of your beloved Mom / Grandma. She was an amazing person and loved her Lord and entire Family and She was the biggest sports fan of all of her Grandchildren ! She will be missed and especially missed by you Todd and your beautiful family. You have our sincere sympathy and we pray that remembering her awesome life will give you strength in your life ahead and we pray this in Jesus name. Scott & Kay Poth and Taylor, Teresa,& Dane
Todd and Carol Gerhardt
January 2, 2019
Dear Todd, Carol and family,
Please accept deepest sympathy on the death of your mother/grandmother. We pray that your wonderful memories of her bring healing and comfort. May she rest peacefully in the arms of God.
Todd Gerhardt and Carol Conway-Gerhardt
Dick Alpert
January 2, 2019
Todd and family,
So sorry for your loss. May her memory be a blessing for all of you...
John Cinealis
January 1, 2019
Sorry for your loss,I really enjoyed both Willy and John Melvin at the Chair City picnics.
Chris Roenitz
January 1, 2019
I knew Willy from the old Roenitz Drug days. She would come over from Sachse for a sandwich. She was one of the wonderful people who shared in the soda fountain culture. Great memories
Deb Patrick
December 30, 2018
I will always cherish my memories of Willy from working at Mapledale senior apts.
December 29, 2018
Dear Todd and family--So sorry to hear about your Mom. Brings back a lot of memories. I feel the loss of all those who are gone and wish you and your family comfort, peace, and hope.
My very best--Barb (Vollrath) Merriett
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