Edna Mae Decker

Edna Mae Decker 87, Athens, died Friday, January 28, 2011 at Golden Living Center Continental Manor, Abbotsford. She was born on October 8, 1923 in Milwaukee. On August 2, 1941, she married Arnold "Fritz" Decker. He preceded her in death on November 16, 1999. Edna Mae was active in her community as an organist for 60 years at St. Anthony Catholic Church, as well as several others. She was a mentor in two Athens schools and also took part in the Women's Catholic Order of Foresters for over 60 years. While part of the Van Buren Homemakers, she served as president and auctioneer. One of Edna Mae's favorite pastimes was participating in the Athens Fair, especially, working in the fair booths. She was the publisher of the shopper called the "Salesman Sam" for 23 years. Edna Mae also enjoyed managing the nutrition program at the Athens Community Hall. In 2001, she was the proud recipient of the Athens Athenian Award. Among her many interests, she loved entering baking contests and both listening to music and playing music. Survivors include, six children, Wayne (Bonnie) Decker, Tomahawk, Gerald "Fuzzy" Decker, Willow, Alaska, Bev (Butch) Boris, Milan, Russ Decker, Wausau, Randy (Sandy) Decker, Athens and Mark (Deb) Decker, Marshfield; twelve grandchildren, Tom (Karen) Decker, Bill (Deb) Decker, Mike (Connie) Decker, Dean (Christine) Boris, David (Carla) Boris, Duane (Amy) Boris, DeAnn (Jamey) Handschke, Jeremy Decker, Jeff (Amber) Decker, Adrian (Justin) Frazier, Abby (fiance' Tony) Decker and Aaron (friend, Jesse) Decker; four step-grandchildren Stephanie (Jeremy) Williams, Rebecca, Aaron and Trevor Schwecke; and 21 great-grandchildren. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son Ronald Decker on June 12, 1976. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. The Very Reverend Charles Hiebl will preside. Friends may call Tuesday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens and again on Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Athens at a later date. There will be a prayer service at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Golden Living Center Continental Manor, Abbotsford for all the loving care and support given to Edna Mae over the past three years. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com