Gene Louis Decker

Gene Louis Decker, of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, passed away on October 17, 2026, at the age of 79. He was born on February 7, 1947, in West Point, Nebraska, and carried with him throughout his life the steady values of hard work, service, and devotion to others.

He graduated from West Point High School in 1963, and then went on to serve in the United States Army, a chapter of his life that reflected his enduring sense of duty. In his professional life, Gene was vice president of production for Morton Salt, where he built a respected career marked by leadership and commitment.

Beyond his work, Gene gave himself generously to the community he loved. He served as Town Board Supervisor for Geneva Township and was part of the Lake Como Beach POA committees. He was instrumental in the founding and success of the Treehouse, and he was an avid volunteer with the Lake Geneva Food Pantry, and was one of the original people to start the Walworth County "National Night Out". Gene loved his community deeply, and that love was evident in the ways he showed up for it again and again. He was often found walking the shores of Lake Como, helping to keep it clean and looking pristine. He liked staying active, and in that activity there was purpose, care, and a quiet example of stewardship that will be long remembered.

At the heart of Gene’s life was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Judith Decker, with whom he shared 45 years of marriage. He is also survived by his daughter, Jacqueline Decker; his son, Todd Decker; and Todd's partner, Natalia Becker. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Augusta, Duke, and Mickie, his special niece, Somer Hatyina, who all brought great joy to his life. He is further survived by his sister, Jane Gerths; his brothers, Robert Decker and James Decker; and by Robert’s wife, Rose.

He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Decker; his mother, Rita Decker; his sister-in-law, Karen Decker; and his brother-in-law, Dean Gerths. Their memory remained part of the family story he carried with him throughout his life.

Those who knew Gene will remember a man of energy, generosity, and deep civic spirit—a man who believed that loving a place meant caring for it, and that loving a community meant serving it. His life leaves a lasting impression on his family, his friends, and the many people whose lives were made better by his presence.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Derrick Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 800 Park Dr, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. A Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 31, 2026, starting at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 148 West Main Street, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. Military honors will follow at the church on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 11:45 p.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Gene’s life was one of service in every sense—service to his country, to his work, to his town, to the lake he cherished, and above all to his family. He will be deeply missed and gratefully remembered.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy the family has asked that you make a donation in Gene's name to either:

The Misericodia Foundation

Or 

Treehouse Child and Family Center

To share a memory that you have of your time with Gene, or to post a condolence to the family, please proceed to the bottom of the obituary under Guest Book where you can share you post.

Derrick Funeral Home of Lake Geneva is honored to be assisting the Decker Family.