Bernard M. "Barney" Decker Jr.
May 24, 1953 - February 07, 2017
Obituary
FITCHBURG- Bernard M. "Barney" Decker Jr., age 63, passed away at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg, on Tues. Feb 7, 2017, surrounded by his family. He was born May 24, 1953, in Baltimore MD., son of Bernard Mallory Decker Sr. and Ruth (McBrearty) Decker. He was a class of 1971 graduate of Wade Hampton High School in Greenville, SC. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War and was stationed in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. He later graduated from USC Upstate and was a clinical psychologist that worked at a home for troubled boys in Travelers Rest, SC. He married the love of his life, Robin "Goldy" Manning on April 6, 1987. Barney and his wife Goldy lived in Greenville, SC. for several years. There he was an avid Beer lover and owned his own craft beer brewing store. In 1999, he and Goldy relocated to Wisconsin with his two youngest children. Throughout his life, Barney focused on his passions of Music and Cooking. He was a self-taught Guitarist, Mandolin player, and Drummer and enjoyed entertaining friends with his musical talent. He truly loved creating music. In Wisconsin, he continued to home brew. He enjoyed participating in beer tastings, brewery tours, volunteering at The Great Taste of the Midwest each year and sharing brew with his friends. Barney is survived by two sisters, Joan (Fred) Cannon and Mary (Jay) Reynolds; and a brother, Charles (Kathy) Decker; two sons by his first marriage, Tim (Colleen) Decker and Chris (Tara) Decker and a son and daughter with Goldy, son, Casey (Julia) Decker; and daughter, Kyrie (Elliot Stone) Decker; grandchildren, Terra Decker, Haylie Decker, Nickole Decker, Samuel Decker, Chase Stone, and Archer Decker; and step- grandchildren, Austin and Aaron. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Goldy Decker; his mother, Ruth Decker; and father, Bernard Decker Sr. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Feb.18, 2017, at 3 p.m. at GUNDERSON FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Rd, Fitchburg, with fellowship to follow. To continue the music that Barney loved, consider making a donation in his name to WORT Community Radio, 118 S. Bedford St. Madison, WI 53703, 608-256-2001. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Rd.
(608) 442-5002
Events
Celebration of Life
Sat Feb 18, 2017 @ 3:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Fitchburg • 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711
Photos
Memories
KH
Kathleen Horner
Other •
This photo I am sharing of Barney (taken in April, 2016) playing his guitar illustrates exactly how I met him 35 years ago as he walked in for the first time to join our contemporary church choir carrying a guitar in his arms. He was a good and kind man who advocated for peace and harmony in ourselves and the world. He made me laugh so much of the time. I will hold good memories of him always. Trip the light fantastic, my friend Barney!
T
Tara
Other •
The best father n law ever in all out awesome human being im so honored to have had you as a part of mine and my kids lives, Austin is still playing the guitar and is great you had a part in that we love you so much grandpa Bumblebee
T
Tara
Other •
Barney and his youngest grandaughter Nickole Decker
LW
Larry "UMP" West
Other •
Great man. Loved playing in a league with him for over a decade. And meeting him at a few BBM Reunions in Baltimore and Ft. Lauderdale . RIP buddy.
DK
Debi Kirkland
Other •
I cannot remember when Barney was not a part of my life. We were two transplanted northern teenagers who met at that time when everyone struggles to understand who they really are and from the age of 16 we continued that journey and struggle together throughout the next 48 years even during the times we lived many miles apart. Phone calls flowed between GA and Alaska, PA and SC and then GA and WI as well as visits and many emails, letters, and lastly FB. I will never forget the day he brought Goldy to meet me at a horse show in S.C. I told him she was without a doubt a" keeper" and immediately loved her for loving my very best friend. It is hard to imagine life without Barney there to give me counsel, encouragement and to share our quest to make the world a better place but I know his spirit will remain close and he is finally at peace with himself and once again happy and free by the side of his beloved Goldy. You were the "wind beneath my wings" my dear friend and now yours are spread and flying free!!! I will look for you in the butterflies and the eagles soaring through the sky.
KC
Karen Connor
Other •
Since 1982 my memories of Barney are filled with laughter and music. He always had funny remarks and occasional mishaps like splitting his pants while dancing or singing the wrong words during a communion hymn, "Were you there when they nailed him to the tomb?".....what? I was especially happy when he found Robin. They kept mum about getting married until we noticed the wedding bands. Barney had a guick smile and a twinkle in his eye. He was also a sensitive , caring friend.