Milton Decker

    Milton F. Decker passed away suddenly at his home on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020, at the age of 82.  
    Milton was born on April 25, 1938, in Belgium, Wis., to Clarence and Adela (nee Arndt) Decker.  
    Milton was a third generation dairy farmer who owned and operated Decker Bros. Dairy Farm for over 50 years in partnership with his beloved brother David.
    He was an active leader in the National Farmers Organization for many years. Prior to farming, Milton worked at Krier Foods, Gehl Co. and Reliable Knitting Works. Milton and David’s partnership began when their father desired to retire and pass down the family business.
    A talented musician, in his early years Milton enjoyed playing saxophone in a local band with various family members.
    Milton loved spending his time outdoors, even when he was not working.  He could be found outside snowmobiling, four-wheeling or even just talking it up with the neighbors.
    Milton was known as a jack-of-all-trades —  a master welder, skilled carpenter and expert mechanic, just to name a few. If there was a way to fix something, Milton would find it and would not rest until it was executed to perfection. His work ethic was second to none; he took great pride in a job completed perfectly.
    Milton married Diane Weyker on Oct. 18, 1969, at St. Joseph Parish in Grafton. The two built their home on the family farmstead in Belgium, where they raised their family and enjoyed 50 years of marriage.
    He was a parishioner of Divine Savior Parish in Holy Cross.
    Milton loved his family fiercely. He led his wife Diane and his children on many crazy, memorable family road trip adventures to all corners of the contiguous 48 states (and let’s not forget Canada). He enjoyed spending time with family and relished in rousing games of cards, especially sheepshead. He was quite proud to pass this love onto his grandchildren. He also enjoyed taking weekend trips around the state and to Upper Michigan with Diane to take in the local scenery…and often ended up at a casino for a little gambling.
    Milton took great pride in attending his grandchildren’s events. They are fortunate to have many fond memories of Grandpa’s silly sense of humor and all of the practical jokes he liked to play.
    Milton was a strong, silent, humble man who cared for his friends and family.
    Milton is survived by his wife Diane (nee Weyker); children Vicky (Doug) Patch, Nicole (Kyle) Vaculik, Scott (Jessica) Decker and Michael (Carrie) Decker; and grandchildren Emma, Matthew and Ian Patch, Noah, Tanner, Gracie and Keegan Vaculik and Trevor, Sawyer and Payton Decker.
    He is also survived by his siblings Betty Waldeck, Edward (Lori) Decker, Violet Ulrich, David (Mary) Decker, Karen (John) VanEss and Richard (Cathy) Decker and sister-in-law Deb Rilling. Milton is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
    He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers George and Clarence Jr. (Nadine) Decker, grandson Dylan Decker, mother-in-law Marie Weyker and brothers-in-law Darwin Ulrich and Hank Waldeck.   
    A visitation was held on Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, at Eernisse Funeral Home, 171 N. Royal Ave., Belgium, WI 53004, from 4 to 7 p.m.  
    A Mass of Christian burial was held the following day, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020, at 10 a.m. at Divine Savior Parish, Holy Cross Chapel, 5330 County Hwy. B, Belgium, Wis. 53004. Father Neil Zinthefer presided.  
    Milton was laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery immediately following Mass.  
    Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.