Eli Martin Decker (1896-1969)

DECKER, HOEAMP, BOBZIEN, ROZEMA, GUST, HEWSON

Posted By: jane austin (email)
Date: 2/13/2017 at 22:11:38

OBITUARY ELI MARTIN DECKER

Eli Martin Decker, the son of Ray and Anna Hoeamp Decker, was born Jan. 24, 1896 at Greenfield. Iowa. He passed away at his home near Hartley, Iowa on March 14, 1969, having reached the age of 73 years, 1 month, and 20 days.

He lived in the Greenfield community until he was 22, and it was there he attended the public schools. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, and at the time of his death was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Hartley.

He came to Hartley 47 years ago, and had farmed in this area until retirement in 1964. He served in the U. S. Army during World War I, from July 21, 1918 until honorably discharged Dec. 28, 1918. He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 288 of Hartley.

Mr. Decker had worked in the A.S.C. office in Primghar as a committeeman for a number of years. He had also been Lincoln Twp. Clerk many years, and had served as a school board director in his township. On Feb. 27, 1924 he was united in marriage to Neva Bobzein, at Hartley. Preceding him in death were his parents and two brothers: Michael and John.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Neva, a niece whom they raised as a daughter, and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Rozema, four granchildren: Yvonne, Jay, Neda and Rena Rozema, two sisters: Mrs. Arthur Gust of Baraboo, Wisc., and Mrs. Emory Hewson of Reedsburg, Wisc., two brothers: Elmo of Baraboo and Ted of Des Moines, Iowa, several Nieces and nephews, other relatives and his many friends.

Serviceds were held from St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Hartley, Iowa on Tuesday, March 18, 1969. Reverene A.O. Bleeke officiated. Pallbearers were Lee Nonneman, Ervin Heimsoth, Irvin Brinkert, Peter Boer, Emil Lux and Ed Jacobs. He is at rest in Pleasant View Cemetery, Hartley, Iowa. Military services were con­ducted by Arthur Kirchhoff Post 288. Baumgarten Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Hartley (Iowa) Sentinel, Mar 20, 1969, p8