Alice Decker

The memorial service celebrating the life of Alice Decker of Wadena and formerly of the Bertha area, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 6, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Eagle Bend with Pastor Kali Christensen presiding. A gathering of family and friends will be held at the church on Wednesday, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. and will resume on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in Peace Evangelical Cemetery near Bertha, MN. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The funeral service will be livestreamed on: Schuller Family Funeral Home's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/p/Schuller-Family-Funeral-Homes-Cremation-Services-100063798813543/ or YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9_jZx4o7kREPtz8aSI4tEw ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the age of 92, Alice passed away on May 30, 2024, at The Meadows, Wadena, MN, with compassionate care by her family, the Meadows staff, and Lakewood Hospice. Alice was born to John and Elsie (Ackerman) Erickson on December 30, 1931, in Parkers Prairie, MN. The youngest girl of 11 children, she grew up on a farm and appreciated learning pride in one’s hard work. Her patient caring nature led her to working as a nurse’s assistant in Bertha, Browerville and Parkers Prairie. In 1951, she met William “Bill” Walter Decker who became her best friend and partner, as they were married that fall at the Esther Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie. Alice may have described herself “only” as a mother and wife, but she was so much more. Soon after marriage came the expansion of the family and a life of farming. Through the hours of milking, chores and throwing hay bales there was still time for roller skating with the kids. She had a talent for growing things - besides children - and her gardens were the evidence! They were expansive and some years the tomato plants towered over everyone. With all that Alice grew she could also cook. In the blink of an eye, she could feed an army and her cooking was second to none. She loved to love people through feeding them. The family has yet to figure out who she passed her bread baking skills to though! She did pass on her love of hobbies, like fishing to her grandchildren. She enjoyed being on the lake whether she was reeling in a bigger fish than Bill or simply going for joy rides to view flowers and birds. Known as the family wordsmith, Alice was also a Scrabble extraordinaire. Her faith kept her grounded and humble. She was compassionate in how she cared for others and always took time for you. With a heart for others, Alice was led to working with adults who had disabilities, which brought her great joy for nearly 30 years. Preceding Alice in death were her husband, Bill; parents John and Elsie; grandchildren Jason, Adam, and Cody Decker; siblings John Jr, Raymond, Arnold, Marvin, Ernest, Elton and Victor Erickson, and Evelyn Peterson; and Bill’s parents Anna and Adolph Decker. An inspiration to others, Alice will be missed by all who knew and loved her, especially her children, Kathryn (Ron) Sidlo, Linda Decker, Diane (Jerry) Gjerstad, Allen Decker, Judith Decker Schlief, Janet Decker, Dennis (Marcia) Decker, Gary (Jill) Decker, Randall (Evelyn) Decker, Sheryl Nanik, Angela Schmitz and Bonita (Harry) Decker; 28 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, & 4 great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Esther Peterson and Glenn Erickson; along with extended family and friends. Honorary urn bearers will be her grandchildren.

Alice Decker

December 30, 1931 - May 30, 2024