Eugene E. Decker

Eugene E. “Gene” Decker, 83 of Streator passed away Monday, June 15, 2026 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Hagi & Schultz Funeral Home, Streator. Pastor Sherri Cisneros will officiate. Burial with military rites performed by the Leslie G. Woods American Legion Post 217 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1492 will follow in Wenona Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Noah Decker, Connor Decker, Mason Decker, Blake Hjerpe, Randy Barke, Gary Barke, Henry Hart and Larry Eckert. Honorary Pallbearers will be Charles Volker, Colin Hjerpe, Anna Hjerpe, Hannah Decker, Olivia Decker, Brendan Burns, and Emma Burns. Visitation will be held Saturday from 9:00 to 11:30 prior to services at the funeral home.

Gene was born August 23, 1942 in Minonk, a son of John E. “Jake” and Bertha L. (Budde) Decker. He married Nancy A. Barke on October 9, 1970 in Minonk.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nancy; three children, Kristin (Tim) Hjerpe of Seneca, Kurtis (Amber) Decker of Streator, and Kyle (Cary) Decker of Ottawa; and 10 grandchildren, Collin, Blake, Anna, Connor, Mason, Noah, Hannah, Olivia, Brendan and Emma.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Ronald Decker; and an infant sister, Dorothy Decker.

Gene had served in the United States Army from 1964 to 1966. He had worked at Smith & Douglas for 28 years, the Streator High School, and later retired from JC Whitney. Gene also owned and operated S&B Awards for 33 years.

Gene loved gardening and woodworking. He became a Master Gardner through the University of Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House or a charity of the donor’s choice.