Robin E. "Goldy" (Manning) Decker
December 16, 1962 - November 07, 2013
Obituary
FITCHBURG-Robin E. “Goldy” (Manning) Decker, age 50, of Fitchburg, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013, at UW Hospital at 9:08 p.m. She was born on Dec. 16, 1962, in San Jose, Calif., the daughter of James Manning and Barbara Walker. She married Barney Decker on Apr. 6, 1987, in Greenville, S.C. Goldy graduated from Leigh High School in San Jose in 1981. She continued her education at the University of California Chico State and graduated in 1985 with a bachelor of science degree in Construction Management. She was one of the first women in the country to achieve this degree. Goldy was a strong example and advocate for women, in general and women in the construction business, in particular. She was associated with several organizations of women in construction. Her passions included cooking, family, and the outdoors.
Goldy is survived by her loving husband, Barney; two children, Kyrie Decker (Elliott Stone) of Albany and Casey Decker of Fitchburg; step-sons, Tim Decker and Chris Decker, both of South Carolina; parents, James E. Manning of Anderson, S.C. and Barbara Jo Walker of Gardnerville, Nev.; sister, Rhonda Enget of Gardnerville, Nev.; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her sister, René.
A Celebration of Goldy’s Life will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg, at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, 2013. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until the time of service on Friday. Memorials may be made to the NOW (National Organization for Women), P.O. Box 1848, Merrifield, VA 22116, in honor of Goldy. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608)442-5002
Events
Visitation
Fri Nov 15, 2013 @ 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Fitchburg • 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711
Service
Fri Nov 15, 2013 @ 6:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Fitchburg • 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711
Photos
No photos of Robin E. have been shared yet.
Memories
S
Suzie
Other •
The first time I met Goldy she was a golden-haired fairy in the coolest brightly colored sarong type skirt, absolute loveliness and grace. This is how she will remain in my heart.
Peace and blessings to all of you.
LT
Larry West, Yoakum, Tx.
Other •
My condolences to the Decker Family for the loss of Goldy. She was a strong, dedicated woman, who brightened the room with her appearance in it. I'll cherish my vacation with her in Fort Lauderdale. She was a awesome, fun loving lady. She'll be missed.
T
taosto@aol.com
Other •
I never met Goldy but I knew Barney in high school. If Goldy were but a fraction of Barney she was a truly AMAZING lady and one I would have loved to know. Barney, as I have already said, I have no idea how you are getting through the days and nights but always know that you are in the thoughts, hearts and prayers of so many. Your loss is also a loss to the world.
Lynn Norton Walko
KH
Kathleen Horner
Other •
I found myself going through some old photos of our backyard gatherings and reminiscing about good times with Robin, Barney and the children. I'll never forget the hot summer day Robin helped me clear out the backyard sanctuary in preparations for one of our first Summer Solstice gatherings. Nor will I forget her kindness and generosity of spirit. She was a beautiful woman inside and out and I am glad for having known her. Davis and I send our deepest sympathies and love to Barney and his family.
RB
Roberta Baumann
Other •
Dear Goldy-
It's only been a little more than three years since we first met at the Great Taste of Madison. I remember when I knew we were truly simpatico. I was at your house, helping Barney brew beer. It was my first time there, and I felt a little awkward until we sat around your dining room table, and you told the funniest story about Casey, visiting relatives and Frank's Red Hot Sauce. We shared so many laughs together, so many good times, and I now when I'm with our friends, I'll miss you and your perfectly timed sense of humor. Goldy, I hope to be a good friend to your loved ones who feel your loss so profoundly. May you rest in peace, embraced by our love. I am a better person because of our friendship and am so glad we shared some our lives. I will light a blue candle because you told me you don't look good in pink -- though I never noticed. I will always remember you fondly.
Your friend, Roberta.
AI
Andrew Irwin
Other •
I did not know Goldy but she married a good man, my best friend from college, Barney Decker. My heart goes out to Barney, their children and all the family in this time of grief and loss. I know she loved and was loved by all who knew her.