William Decker

    William Decker was born in November, 1871, in Danforth (Iroquois), IL, the eighth of ten children born to Gerd (George) Decker and Anna Classen Heyen. He married Henerike Classen on 12 Feb 1896 in Gilman, IL, and they had one daughter, Anna Frieda Decker. He died on 5 Dec 1939 in Roann, IN. William Decker's obituary appeared in the Iroquois County (IL) Democrat on 14 Dec 1939:

Wm. Decker

    "Wm. Decker of Roann, Ind., was brought here Thursday to the Evangelical Church where funeral services were conducted by the pastor, Rev. Estes Kenny at 2 p.m.
    Mr. Decker had spent his boyhood and early manhood on a farm in this community and lived at Roann, Ind. for about 23 years.
    His death was caused by a stroke, he having been in poor health since October 29th when he was a victim of an auto accident from which he never fully recovered.
    He leaves to mourn him, his wife the former
Reka Claussen, formerly of this place; a daughter, Mrs. Wm. Reitz, Gilman; a brother, Geo. Decker of Gilman and a sister, Mrs. Lena Janssen. Interment took place in the Danforth cemetery."

A death notice also appeared in an unknown Iroquois county newspaper shortly after his death.

    "The funeral of William Decker, former resident of this community, was held Thursday at the Evangelical church with the Rev. Estes Kenny officiating. Mr. Decker spent his boyhood on a farm in this community and has lived at Roaun (sic), Ind. 23 years where he died Tuesday of a paralytic stroke. He leaves his widow, the former Reka Classen, one daughter, Mrs. Anna Reitz of Gilman, a sister, Mrs. Lena Janssen, and a brother George Decker. Burial was in the Danforth cemetery."