Thelma Decker, age 92, of Aberdeen and formerly of Huron, passed away on July 20, 2023.

A funeral service was held at 11:00 AM, Monday, July 24, at Living Hope Alliance Church in Huron. Interment followed in the Ideal Cemetery. Her service was live-streamed.

Visitation was held one hour before the service at the church on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be earmarked for Gideon's International, Living Hope Alliance Church (Huron), or Alliance (C&MA) Missions.

Thelma was born on July 29, 1930, in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, to Robert and Mary (Baltzer) Redmann. Her early years were spent on the family farm 14 miles west of Wessington Springs with two older sisters and many cousins within walking distance. She attended country school, until 9th grade, when she moved into town to attend high school, graduating in 1948. She attended Huron College for one year, and then worked several years at the Bureau of Reclamation. Shortly after arriving in Huron, she caught the eye of Harold Decker and they were married in 1952. They added a son, Arlin and a daughter, Janelle to the family. The couple purchased The Shoe Fixery and operated the business in Huron together for more than 30 years, where Thelma put her skills as a seamstress to work.

Upon her arrival in Huron, Thelma began attending the Huron Mission Church (now Living Hope Alliance Church) and could be found at the piano on Sundays, blessing the choir and congregation with her musical gifts. She and Harold were faithful members of the church for 70 years until failing health required their move to Aberdeen in 2022 to live with their daughter.

In their retirement years they enjoyed time with family and wonderful friends, entertaining and playing games, and travel. Thelma will be remembered for her love of family, for her delightful laugh and sweet demeanor.

Grateful for being part of her life are daughter, Janelle (Michael) Wood of Aberdeen, South Dakota. Four grandchildren and their families, Andrea (Dave) Nell of Aberdeen and daughters, Trinity (Matthew) Martin of Aberdeen, Faith (Samuel) Griffin of Lakewood, Colorado, and Hannah of Aberdeen; Nathan (Naomi) Wood and children, Caeden, Bronc, Gage and Maya Ann of Kalispell, Montana; Ryan (Allie) Wood and family, Sierra, Evan, Carolyn, Annette and Audrey of Burnsville, Minnesota; and Emilee (fiancé, Kevin Woebke) Wood of Plymouth, Minnesota; one sister, Verola (David) Wipf of Huron; one sister-in-law, Beulah Decker of Huron; and many loved nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by husband, Harold in 2022; one son, Arlin in 1971; one sister, Elda (Milo) Gray; and two sisters-in-law, Stella (Harvey) Floe and Phoebe (Howard) Potter.

View Thelma's Floral Arrangements