William R. “Bill” Decker

ADAMS, CONRAD, DECKER, PRUISNER, RIES, VAN ETTEN, VITTETOE

Posted By: Cindy (email)
Date: 1/21/2026 at 16:18:57

William R. “Bill” Decker, 76, formerly of Delhi, Iowa, died Friday, January 16, 2026, at Mount Carmel Bluffs in Dubuque, Iowa.

William Ronald Decker was born in Independence, Iowa on September 15, 1949, the son of Ronald William and Edith I. (Conrad) Decker. He graduated from East Buchanan high school with the class of 1967 and attended one year of college before joining the United States Navy during the Vietnam conflict. After his discharge, Bill continued his education at University of Northern Iowa, obtaining his bachelor’s degree in electrical technology.

He spent many winters in Costa Rica, a place he came to love deeply. He cherished time with his US and Canadian friends and developed a genuine affection for the Costa Rican and Nicaraguan people. Bill was always eager to help local communities whenever possible, offering kindness, friendship, and support that reflected his generous spirit.

He was the majority owner and operations manager of two manufacturing companies that, at their peak, employed more than 100 people. One was Quamaco Corp. in Quasqueton, Iowa, and the other was Blessing Industries, with locations in Fayette and Oelwein. To Bill, his employees were more than part of a business; they were family, and he took great pride in supporting them both professionally and personally.

He was an avid sports fan, especially loved the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. Bill enjoyed playing golf, including weekly golf leagues and three-man tournaments with friends and cousins. For many years, he held Iowa football season tickets and treasured the tailgating experiences he shared with friends and cousins.

Bill was a man deeply connected to his roots. Although he lived in many places, including a three-year stint in Japan, he ultimately returned to Iowa, where he spent the rest of his life. He valued the farm life in which he was raised. Family was always important to Bill, and especially cherished the large extended families filled with cousins, many of whom he stayed in close contact with throughout his life.

Bill is survived by his brothers: Paul (Judith) Decker of Dubuque, Iowa and Dennis (Patty) Decker of Thornton, Colorado; Nieces and nephews: Susan (Mike) Vittetoe of Prarie City, Iowa, Mike (Jodi) Van Etten of Williamsburg, Iowa, Eric (Carol) Decker of Dana Point, California, Meaghan (Cody) Adams of Broomfield, Colorado, Kevin Decker of Denver, Colorado, Amy Decker of Aspen, Colorado, Emily (Taylor) Pruisner of Denver, Colorado, Molly (Scott Fernandes) Decker of Fort Collins, Colorado and Katherine (Tony) Ries of Bernard, Iowa; Brother-in-law: Jim Van Etten of Newhall, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Pam, and sister-in-law Kathy.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 A.M. Monday, January 19, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Winthrop, Iowa, with Reverend David Beckman officiating.

Visitation: 9:00 to 10:30 A.M. Monday, January 19, 2026, at Fawcett-Schmitz Funeral Home, Winthrop, Iowa.

Interment: St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery, Winthrop, Iowa.

Memorial can be directed to the American Legion.
Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com