Ferdinand R Decker, Jr.

MIDDLETON/MADISON-Ferdinand R. Decker, Jr. passed away on Monday, February 15, 2016, at St. Mary's Care Center in Madison. He was born on June 17, 1928 in Tarrytown, NY to Ferdinand R. Decker and Doris (Canedy) Decker.  In 1946, he graduated from Scarsdale High School in Scarsdale New York and served with the United States Army in Japan in the aftermath of WWII.  Ferdinand (Fred) graduated Stevens Institute of Technology in New York in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering.  While in college he was an active member of the Sigma Phi Epilson fraternity.  He proceeded to work for numerous Fortune 500 companies, including Sylvania, General Electric and Honeywell in New York and Massachusetts. The 1970's brought him and his family to Wisconsin where he worked as a Budget Management Specialist for the State of Wisconsin Dept. of Administration until retiring in 1993.  Upon retirement he busied himself as a mathematics tutor; imparting his knowledge and experience to a new generation.  Ferdinand married Marilyn Jean Reilly in 1954 and is survived by his daughter, Barbara; sons, Robert and Richard; daughter-in-law, Karen (Erickson) Decker and grandson Jason Decker.  He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Doris and his loving wife Marilyn.  A Memorial Mass will be held at ST. BERNARDS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 5,2016. Interment with military honors will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.  Visitation will be held at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.