David “Dave” Decker was known by many names — Dave, Dad, Brother, Uncle, Son, Pappy Gnome — but no matter what you called him, everyone felt the same way about this man. He was a good soul with a big heart and a simple, steady way of moving through the world. Dave was called home to Jesus on August 19, 2026; he left this life as he lived it, on his own terms.
Born on May 12, 1955, to Wilfred and Beverly Decker, Dave grew up working on the family farm in Waverly, where he spent his days doing what he loved most: living simply, working hard, and enjoying the land around him. He was a man of few words, but his heart was bigger than Waverly itself.
Dave attended school in Howard Lake until eighth grade — the point at which, according to him, he had learned everything he needed to know. From there, he returned to farm life, teased and tormented his brothers and sisters (or maybe they tormented him), and made lifelong memories with friends.
Over the years, Dave worked many jobs in construction, framing, and roofing. He married his longtime crush, Mary Beth from the Waverly Café, and together they raised six wonderful children during their 17 years of marriage. Later, Dave met Jackie and her two sons, Brady and Dylan, and they built a life together until his passing.
Dave enjoyed gardening, spending time with family and friends, and especially loved his time fishing out on Lake Ida and local lakes. He wasn’t a man who lived by a schedule — he was more of a “grab the moment” kind of fellow, always ready to enjoy whatever the day brought. Whether he was tinkering or just relaxing, Dave loved spending time in his garage — his ultimate man cave — where he took great joy in caring for his cats and raising their multiple litters each year.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Timmy and Rick; sister Jeannie; sister-in-law Susie; nephew Tommy Fiecke; stepson Brady Schmidt; and father‑in‑law Leo Stulen.
He is survived by his wife Jackie; children Billy (LuAnn), Matt (Joy), Timmy (Nicci), Mary (Jeff) Miller, Sandy (Josh) Forcier, and Davey (Amanda); stepson Dylan Schmidt; twenty grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Siblings include Steve, Warren, Wil (Myra), Randy (Mel Vinge), Donny (Linda Geisen), Donna (Brent) Gilmer, Julie (Jeff) Hille, and Keith (Kristy), along with many other relatives and friends.
Dave will be dearly missed by his family and by everyone whose life he touched. His memory lives on through his brothers and sisters, his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren, along with all the people who were lucky enough to know him.
Rest in peace, Dave Decker.
Services will be held on Saturday, August 29 at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Howard Lake, Minnesota. Visitation at 2:00 p.m. Prayer service at 3:00 p.m. Celebration of life at 4:00 p.m. at the Donny Decker residence, 5638 Gowan Ave SW, Waverly.
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