Milton F. Decker passed away suddenly at his home on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at the age of 82. Milton was born on April 25, 1938 in Belgium, Wisconsin to Clarence and Adela (nee Arndt) Decker.
Milton was a 3rd generation dairy farmer, who owned and operated Decker Bros Dairy Farm for over 50 years in partnership with his beloved brother, David. He was an active leader in National Farmers Organization for many years. Prior to farming, Milton worked at Krier Foods, Gehl Company, and Reliable Knitting Works. Milton and David's partnership began when their father desired to retire and pass down the family business. A talented musician, in his early years, Milton enjoyed playing saxophone in a local band with various family members. Milton loved spending his time outdoors, even when he was not working. He could be found outside snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, or even just talking it up with the neighbors. Milton was known as a jack-of-all-trades: a master welder, skilled carpenter, expert mechanic, just to name a few. If there was a way to fix something, Milton would find it and would not rest until it was executed to perfection. His work ethic was second to none; he took great pride in a job completed perfectly.
Milton married Diane Weyker on October 18, 1969 at St. Joseph Parish in Grafton. The two built their home on the family farmstead in Belgium, where they raised their family and enjoyed 50 years of marriage. He was a parishioner of Divine Savior Parish in Holy Cross. Milton loved his family fiercely. He led his wife Diane and his children on many crazy, memorable, family road trip adventures to all corners of the contiguous 48 states (and let's not forget Canada). He enjoyed spending time with family and relished in rousing games of cards, especially Sheepshead. He was quite proud to pass this love onto his grandchildren. He also enjoyed taking weekend trips around the state and to Upper Michigan with Diane to take in the local scenery…and often ended up at a casino for a little gambling. Milton took great pride in attending his grandchildren's events. They are fortunate to have many fond memories of Grandpa's silly sense of humor and all of the practical jokes he liked to play. Milton was a strong, silent, humble man who genuinely cared for his friends and family.
Milton is survived by his wife Diane (nee Weyker), children: Vicky (Doug) Patch, Nicole (Kyle) Vaculik, Scott (Jessica) Decker, Michael (Carrie) Decker, grandchildren: Emma, Matthew and Ian Patch, Noah, Tanner, Gracie and Keegan Vaculik, Trevor, Sawyer and Payton Decker. He is also survived by his siblings: Betty Waldeck, Edward (Lori) Decker, Violet Ulrich, David (Mary) Decker, Karen (John) VanEss and Richard (Cathy) Decker, and sister-in-law Deb Rilling. Milton is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers George and Clarence Jr. (Nadine) Decker, grandson Dylan Decker, mother-in-law Marie Weyker, and brothers-in-law Darwin Ulrich and Hank Waldeck.
Visitation will be held on Monday, August 17, 2020 at Eernisse Funeral Home 171 North Royal Avenue Belgium, WI 53004 from 4:00-7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held the following day Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at 10:00 AM at Divine Savior Parish – Holy Cross Chapel 5330 County Highway B Belgium, Wisconsin 53004. Father Neil Zinthefer will preside. Milton will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery immediately following Mass.