John Adam Decker abt.1834-1923

DECKER, EICHHORN, MARTIN, HIRTH

Posted By: Janet Koozer (email)
Date: 10/29/2008 at 12:30:49

Taps For Civil War Veteran

The rapidly thinning ranks of the soldiers of 61-65' was diminished by one more early Wednesday last by the passing of John Adam Decker, after an illness of eleven days with some bronchial trouble, aged 89 yrs. 6 months and 26 days.

Deceased was born in Wittenburg, Germany, and came to America with his parents in 1847, the family settling on a farm near Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Decker came to Lansing in the 50's, and was firemen and later engineer at the old saw mill in Columbus. He enlisted with Co. B. 12th Iowa Volunteers and served as musician until the close of the war. On May 15, 1867, he married Miss Mary Eichhorn, settling on a farm in the Mays Prairie neighborhood and making their home for the past sixteen years with their son John. He was the last member of a family of ten children. The widow and six children, John, of Lansing, Mrs Joseph Martin, George, Sam, Ben and Mrs. Chas. Hirth, of Church are left to mourn the loss of a kind and loving husband and father. Besides he is mourned by ten granchildren and a host of friends, for to know him was to love him, and his genial, kindly manner and sunny salutation will be missed by many outside his immediate family

Mr. and Mrs. Decker celebrated their golden wedding in 1917, and for 53 years he was a member of the Methodist church.

The funeral from the Federated church Friday afternoon, at 2 o'clock, was very largely attended, many who went to pay their last respects to the departed being unable to gain admission to the church. Rev. Butler of Waukon officiated and there was a great profusion of beautiful flowers. A delegation of the American Legion and firing squad and two of the four remaining comrades of the Civil War. Thomas Goddell and Albert Gaulthiet occupied seats in front and to the left of the mourners. A quartette, Mrs. W. Aschom and Miss Stella J. Stahl and Messrs. N. Martinson and George Aschom, with Mrs. L. L. Wittbecker at the organ, rendered very appropriate music. The remains were laid to rest in Oak Hill cenetery with military honors, the final salute of three volleys being fired by the squad of the local legion and taps sounded by Orville Ahlstom.

Card of thanks

To the many neighbors and kind friends whose assistance and sympathy were so freely extended in our bereavement, the loss of husband and father, we desire to return heartfelt thanks. Also for the beautiful floral tributes and to the Legion boys are we truly grateful.

Mrs. Decker and Family

Lansing paper
Great Grandmothers brother-in-law
picture