Betty Ann Decker

During the morning hours of January 11, 2024, Betty Ann Decker passed from this life surrounded by her loving family.

Betty was born in Racine on Armistice Day, November 11,1943 to the late Lois Mae (Nee: Niebur) Kropp and John M. Kropp. Sadly, John was killed in action during World War II before Betty had a chance to meet him. In1952 her mother married Jerome Kaplan a wonderful man who loved and supported Betty as his own. Betty was a patriot and proud that both of her fathers served during the War. In 2010 Betty satisfied a lifelong yearning by visiting her father’s gravesite located in the Ardennes American Military Cemetery in Belgium.

Betty was a lifetime member of St. Joseph Catholic Parish where she graduated from grade school in1957. She graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in1961and attended Dominican College for two years. She met the love of her life, Patrick Decker, at a high school dance party. It was love at first sight for both of them. They were married on September 14,1963 and were inseparable for the next 60 plus years.

Betty was a loving and nurturing mother who worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for her children. She served as a teacher’s aide, participated in the PTA, and volunteered countless hours to the Brownies, Girl Scouts, and Cub Scouts. She was always one of the mothers in the bleachers and enjoyed it immensely. She was a remarkable cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family most especially over the holidays. She loved dogs, and always had a faithful spaniel or terrier by her side. Over the years she held jobs with Wisconsin Natural Gas, Racine Dental Group, and Family Chiropractic.

Betty is survived by her husband, Patrick, who stood by her side through the joys and challenges of a lifetime together. Their enduring love is a testament to the commitment and bond that they shared.

Betty is further survived by her daughter Christine Decker; sons Joseph (Jane) Decker, Stephen (Maneeka) Decker; grandchildren Ferris Dhane, Alec Decker, Sydney Decker; sisters Donna Lepianka (Ron Witt), Linda (Tim) Akin; brother Robert Kaplan; sister-in-law Kathy Pfefferle; brothers-in-law Tom (Joanne) Decker, Daniel Decker, Michael (Joye Landish) Decker; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her father and mother-in-law, Earl and Mary Decker, aunt Betty Cleven; uncles Bill (Ida) Niebur, Burt Niebur; brothers-in-law James Decker, Bernie Lepianka and sister-in-law Cindy Decker. A special mention to the late Liz and Elmer Wyle, special friends of the family that provided immeasurable love and support to Betty during the economically challenging early years of her life. She loved them dearly.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie Street, on Tuesday January 23, 2024, 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Steve Varghese officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in honor of Betty A. Decker to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1533 Erie Street, Racine, WI 53402.

The family would like to extend their most sincere appreciation to the staff at Park View Gardens memory care facility in Racine that helped Betty through the final days of life with the utmost compassion, constant support and knowledge.