Lois E. Decker, 92, of Sparta, died Monday, May 8, 2006 at Morrow Memorial Home in Sparta. She was born in Akron, Iowa to Hulda and Emil Johnson on November 29, 1913. She was baptized on May 19, 1914 and confirmed on June 17, 1928.

     Lois graduated from Akron High School in 1931 and had been accepted to the Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in Sioux City, Iowa. Due to the depression she decided to work as a nanny and housekeeper in Iowa. In 1935, she moved to Chicago, continuing in the same work.

     On March 16, 1941 she was united in marriage to John G. Decker. In 1953 she began working as a saleslady and coordinator in Marshall Fields silver department in downtown Chicago. She served the company for 25 years, and was one of their top salesladies. She enjoyed this work a lot due to her co-workers and the many customers that she served.

     Lois and John retired in 1979 and decided to join their children in making Sparta their home.

     Mrs. Decker was always an active, participating member of her church. She started at the age of 13 as church pianist and continued to share her talent over 63 years. She also taught Sunday School, was president of the Women’s Missionary Society, and later she was president of the Lutheran Church Women, and also served on Church Council.

     She was preceded in death by her husband on March 28, 1995 and a son, John Jr. on August 10, 1988 and a brother, Clifford.

     Her family and friends will remember the love she shared; her joy of entertaining with delicious meals and home baked goods; and her very stylish clothes that she made and wore; “a classy lady.”

     She is survived by a daughter, Judy (Kenneth) Schure; grandchildren, Scott (Kristine) Schure, Jeff Schure, Mark (Tomomi) Schure, and Kari (David) Slotten, and five great grandchildren; brothers, Arden (Alta) Johnson and Roger (Phyllis) Johnson; and a sister, Phyllis Frisk.

     The family would like to thank all those who gave Mom such expert, loving care in her last years; Dr. Pace, the staff at Morrow Memorial Home, and Franciscan Skemp Hospice. Special thanks to Pastors Miller and Toso and all of her church family at Trinity for their prayers, visits, and cards and to all the volunteers that helped Mom to church services, prayer times and lots of other activities.

     Memorial services will be Friday at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Sparta. Burial will be at a later time in Akron, IA.

     Family and friends are invited to call at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of services. The family requests that in lieu of flowers that memorials be given to Morrow Memorial Home, ELCA World Hunger, or Trinity Lutheran Church.