George "Mike" Decker

George Michael Decker "Mike", 76 of Cloquet passed away Saturday, April 15, 2017 of natural causes. He was born on August 4, 1940 to George F. and Helen (Webb) Decker in Virginia, Minnesota. Mike moved to Cloquet at age 2 where he resided until shortly before his death. Following his graduation from Cloquet High School in 1959 he started working for Northwest Paper Company (later Potlatch) where he worked for 40 years until his retirement in 2000. Mike was united in marriage to Sandra Rose Hogen on September 14, 1963 and was married for 50 years until Sandy preceded him in death in 2014. Together they raised 4 children. Mike was very proud to be an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and to teach CPR and First Aid for the Red Cross. For over 20 years he was actively involved in the Carlton County Rescue Squad. He served as the Civil Defense director in 1976-77. He was a founding member of the 11 Meter Mounties C.B. Club and he was active in the Jaycees. He is well known in the area for owning and operating Decker PA Service where he was a fixture at many area parades, contests and the Carlton County Fair. As accomplished as Mike was, his ultimate pleasure in life was time spent at his beloved cabin. There, he enjoyed fishing, bonfires and spending time with his children - Jerry of Blaine; Michele (Jerry) Meier of Lakeville and Jennifer Decker of Cloquet; and his four grandchildren, Bailey and Jake Decker and Emily and Olivia Meier. In addition to his wife, Sandy, Mike was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Sheila Patricia Harrison. He is survived by his children and grandchildren; and sister, Betty (Gene) Lavan of Cloquet. Visitation: 12:00 noon until the 1:00 p.m. memorial service Saturday, May 6, 2017 in Atkins-Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street, Cloquet. To sign the guest book and leave an online tribute see, www.atkinsnorthlandfunerlhome.com.