Obituary of Noel Jerome Decker

Noel J. Decker was born on March 4, 1924, in Creston, Iowa to Ted and Bessie (Bennett) Decker. When Noel was four, the family moved to Newton and he graduated from Newton High School in 1942. In preparation for a commission in the U.S. Navy, Noel attended Central College in Pella, Iowa and Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri. After two years of naval service, he continued his education at Iowa State University and began a 38 year career with the Maytag Corporation in 1948 as a tool design engineer. Noel and Lois Mae Johnson were married on December 4, 1948, in Newton. They have two children: Jan (Tom) Verdoorn of Minneapolis and Ron Decker of Kent, Connecticut. Other family grieving Noel's death include his sister, Betty (Lawrence) Jess of Urbandale, Iowa; grandsons, Michael (Rachel), Matthew, and Jacob Verdoorn of Minneapolis/St. Paul; granddaughter, Paige Decker; and great-granddaughter, Sophia Verdoorn. Noel was a generous and engaged man with a quick wit and smile. He was eager to help family and friends - and those who had not yet become his friend. Noel loved to visit and would often turn a short errand into a long conversation with an old or new friend. Noel attended First Assembly of God Church in Newton, where he taught Sunday school and was a leader of the Royal Rangers. Noel was a member of the Golden K Kiwanis, the Maytag Management Club, and taught Eagle Scouts. He was a Master Gardener and enjoyed many outdoor activities including hiking, hunting, and fishing. He enjoyed traveling and often added to his collection of antique hand tools on trips with Lois. Noel was committed tinkerer and was often in front of his workbench on a new woodworking or fixit project. Noel, died on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at Heritage Manor in Newton. He was 84. Noel was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Cliff Decker. Noel leaves a legacy of love for his wife and family, care for his friends, and a life of Christian faith and service. He will be missed. RIP.