Harold Decker, age 94, of Huron, passed away Thursday, June 30, 2022, at his daughter's home in Aberdeen.

His funeral service was held at 11:00 AM, Monday, July 11th at the Living Hope Alliance Church. Burial was in the Living Hope Alliance Church section of Ideal Cemetery. Military honors were conducted by the Huron Veterans Council.  His service was live-streamed through the Kuhler Funeral Home website. 

Visitation with family present was held 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Monday, July 11.

Harold Lavorn Decker was born on a farm near Doland, South Dakota, September 21, 1927, to John K. and Ann D. (Hofer) Decker. At the age of six, he moved with his family to Huron, South Dakota, where he attended school.

At the age of 18, he joined the U.S. Army, and was stationed in Italy during the post-World War II reconstruction efforts. He returned home after his enlistment and remained in the army reserves. A year later, he was called to active duty again during the Korean conflict. Upon his return home, he was employed by Benson Optical Company as an optician for several years. In June of 1952, he married Thelma R. Redmann in Huron. To this union was born two children, Arlin in 1953 and Janelle in 1954.

In 1959, he purchased The Shoe Fixery, a shoe repair shop. He and Thelma operated this business until their retirement in 1990. After retirement, he worked various odd jobs part-time. He and Thelma enjoyed traveling, taking many bus tours, cruises, tours through Europe, Korea, China, Alaska and a family trip to Hawaii. He loved playing cards and other games with friends and family, and enjoyed wood working and clock-making. Most of all he loved his family well and enjoyed every opportunity to spend time with them.

Harold committed his life to Jesus Christ at age 15 and lived his Christian faith as a man of integrity, character, generosity, and kindness. He was a long-time member of Living Hope Alliance Church, and gave his time freely as board member, trustee, church cemetery caretaker, Sunday-School teacher and usher. Harold had a true servant's heart and helped others whenever and however possible.

Grateful for being part of his legacy are his wife, Thelma of 70 years; his daughter, Janelle (Michael) Wood of Aberdeen; four grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, Andrea (Dave) Nell and children, Trinity (Matthew) Martin, Faith, and Hannah, all of Aberdeen; Nathan (Naomi) Wood and children, Caeden, Bronc, Gage and Maya, all of Kalispell Montana; Ryan (Allie) Wood and children, Sierra, Evan, Carolyn, Annie, and Audrey, all of Burnsville, Minnesota; and Emilee Wood of Chaska Minnesota; one sister, Beulah Decker of Huron, one sister-in-law, Verola Wipf of Huron; many nieces and nephews; and many wonderful friends.

Having fought the good fight, Harold was welcomed into Heaven on June 30, 2022, at age 94. Preceding him in death are his parents; one son, Arlin; two sisters, Phoebe and husband, Howard Potter and Stella and husband, Harvey Floe; one sister-in-law, Elda Gray and husband, Milo; and one brother-in-law, David Wipf.

This story of a wonderful man and his legacy not finished but just begun, because Jesus is the resurrection and the LIFE.

 View Harold's Floral Arrangements