Ralph Edward Decker

Entombment: Ottawa Hills Memorial Park

Ralph Edward Decker (Nookie), age 83, of Point Place; formerly of Swanton, Ohio, died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, Thursday evening, October 4, 2012, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Toledo. He was born November 2, 1928 in Fairfield, Ohio to the late Edward F. and Nellie M. (Rawlings) Decker, and was a 1946 graduate of Clay High School. Mr. Decker enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in the European Theatre of WWII, and provided troop support in Korea on the Narrow Gauge Railway. On October 17, 1953, he married his beloved wife, Elizabeth Louise Gedert in St. Anne’s Church in Toledo. She preceded him in death on April 12, 2007.

Mr. Decker worked 32 years as a maintenance engineer for the United States Postal Service. Following retirement, he worked for Fallen Timbers Golf Course. He was a member of Northwood VFW Post #2984. He remained very active - bowling, golfing, and will be remembered as an all around handyman. He loved fishing, baseball, hockey, cooking and eating, and was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan. He also enjoyed playing shuffleboard and cards at Friendship Center in Point Place.

Mr. Decker is survived by his loving children, Amy L. Decker (Daryl Rodney) of Toledo, OH, Larry P. (Denise) Decker of Metamora, OH, and Kerry B. (Michaela) Decker of Toledo, OH; 11 grandchildren, Anthony, Rudy, David, and Don Martinez, Kristen Osborne and Ross Decker, Steve, Joe, and Bill Decker, and Amanda and Hannah Decker; 9-1/2 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Patricia Lynn and Annette Breno.

Besides his wife, Elizabeth, he was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael Decker; and sister, Janell Decker.

A Prayer Service, led by Deacon Robert Gillen, will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 8th at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park Chapel of Peace.

Military Rites will be conducted by the Northwood VFW Honor Guard, with entombment to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 E. River Rd., Perrysburg, OH 43551 or Northwood VFW Post #2984, 102 W. Andrus, Northwood, OH 43619.

Residence: Point Place, formerly of Swanton, Ohio

Funeral Service: Monday, October 8th at 2:00 pm at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park Chapel of Peace