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 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."