Ned "Gene" E Decker Obituary (1946

Ned Eugene Decker (Gene), 77, lost his battle with cancer and passed away May 22, 2023, surrounded by his beloved family and friends at Logan Healthcare in Kalispell, MT. Gene was born January 24, 1946, to parents Ned L. Decker and Maybelle I. Hall in Libby, MT, where the family lived until moving to Rexford. He graduated from Lincoln County High School in 1964. Gene married the love of his life, Lorraine A. Bernhard, on September 20, 1969, and they built a home in Rexford, where they raised their three children until moving to Libby in 1979. Gene began working in 1964, as a logger for St. Regis, and throughout his logging career he worked for various employers in Rexford, Libby, and Bonners Ferry areas until retiring in 2014. He worked jointly with his wife with tree-removal services in Libby for years, and always helped others in his church and community using his various skills. Together with his wife, he led youth ministry for 32 years in the Church of God. He also supported youth as a softball coach in Little League. Gene was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking. He loved reading books and could often be found at his grandchildren's sporting events peeking over a book. Gene never met a person he didn't love, and found joy in discussing various subjects, always working in his faith, and loving his Savior, Jesus Christ. Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Ned L. and Maybelle Decker, along with his twin brothers. Gene is survived by his wife, Lorraine Decker, of Libby; daughters, Molly and husband Jim Mallet of Athol, ID; Jennifer and husband Cory Andersen of Libby, MT; son, Clinton Decker of Portland, OR; sisters, Caroline and husband Ron St. Onge of Kalispell, MT; Kathryn and husband Wes Mapston of Arlee, MT; and Jeannette and husband Arnold Hansen, Jr., of Salcha, AK. He has eleven beloved grandchildren. There will be a viewing from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 9, 2023, at the Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby, MT; the family will receive friends during this time. Services will be at Assembly of God Church, 101 Collins Avenue, Libby, MT, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2023. In lieu of flowers, a donation in his name to the Libby Church of God would be appreciated. Donations can be sent to 1007 Utah Avenue, Libby, MT, 59923. Arrangements are under the care of the Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby. Memorials and condolences may be shared online by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.