17 May Clement “Clem” Decker
Posted at 18:35h
in Uncategorized
by staff
Clement Arnold Decker, 85, of Bismarck, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2024, in his home surrounded by his loving family. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Bismarck Funeral Home with a Rosary/Vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.
Clem was born May 3, 1939, in Stark County to Frank and Helen (Huschka) Decker. He was one of eight children. He began his life on the family farm, and his family later moved to Dickinson where he attended Saint Joseph’s Catholic School. When he was 17-years-old, he joined the Navy as a Kiddie Cruiser where he was trained to become an electrician. He was honorably discharged. He was a proud Veteran, and his time in the military served him well.
Clem married the love of his life, Eileen Frank, on September 24, 1964. They were inseparable and enjoyed 59 beautiful years together. They started their life together in Hazen, ND. They made a few moves along the way, but most of their time was spent in Bismarck where they raised their family.
Clem was a skilled electrician spending many of his years in the electrical trade where he was involved in the construction of several of the power plants in central North Dakota. He finished his career at Sweetheart Bakery in Bismarck and Minot as the chief engineer. Clem retired in 1999. He was never one to sit idle and found several fun part-time jobs that he enjoyed.
Clem and Eileen loved camping and fishing when their family was young. They also liked to travel with family and friends and took many trips throughout the United States. Clem has had a cabin at Brush Lake for the last 37 years where he enjoyed spending time in the summer. Many good memories were made, and the cabin became a beloved gathering place for Clem and Eileen, his kids, and their grandkids.
Clem made friends easily, laughed often, and loved his family unconditionally. A favorite card game of his was pinochle. He was good at it, and it drove him a little crazy when his kids got to chatting too much, didn’t pay attention, and would ask, “What’s trump again?”.
Clem was a faithful Catholic, attending Mass every Sunday and weekly adoration at Cathedral until his health no longer allowed him to do so. He found much peace in praying the rosary daily.
Clem was most proud of his family and will be deeply missed by his wife, his son, Allan (Laura) Decker, Bismarck; his daughters: Karen (Jay) Kost and Sharon Carlson, both of Bismarck, and Jodi (Tony) Sie of Chaska, MN; his grandchildren, who he cherished: Amelia Kost, Abigail (Sean) Hatlen, Olivia Kost, Hunter Carlson, Porter Sie, Finley Sie, Braden Kjonaas, and Sam Kjonaas. He is also survived by his siblings: Mary Ann Reiss, Leonard (Luella) Decker, Eileen (Art) Gatzke, Sally (Gilbert) Lorenz, Vince (Karen) Decker, sister-in-law Adeline Decker, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws Joe and Philippine Frank; Lawrence Decker (brother); Eleanor Kadrmas (sister); and brothers-in-law Tony Reiss and Eugene Kadrmas.
Well done, good and faithful servant. You have run the race and now you’re home.
