Michael Allen Decker

February 21, 1953 – January 11, 2026

Mike Decker, one of the kindest, most patient, fun-loving, and delightfully stubborn men with a great sense of humor, passed away on January 11, 2026, at the age of 72.

Mike was born in Columbus, Ohio, and grew up in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where he met his high school sweetheart and first love Wanda. From there, life carried him to Madison, where he attended Madison Area Technical College to become a welder — a trade that matched his steady hands, strong work ethic, and pride in doing things right. It was also in Madison that he met his lifelong best friend, Jim, a friendship that would span decades.

Mike eventually settled in McFarland, Wisconsin, where he raised his daughters, Leah and Angie, became a devoted Lions Club member for many years, and later enjoyed making a home — and bopping around to his favorite spots, Parkside Pub and Toby’s Supper Club — with his beloved wife, Cindy. He was a hard-working, dependable presence at Bentley Welding Supply and Praxair, where he was known for keeping things running smoothly and taking pride in a job well done.

Outside of work, Mike was happiest with a cold Pabst Blue Ribbon in hand, a fishing line in the water, a shotgun in the field, or a bowling ball rolling down the lane. He loved camping and boating, especially his beloved Mississippi River trips with the “Prop Checkers,” where he proudly wore the group’s shirt like a badge of honor, or taking “hot laps” around Lake Waubesa. He was also widely believed to be the best ping-pong player this side of the Mississippi — and he was not shy about letting you know it.

At home, Mike was the kind of dad who showed up. He may have cheered quietly at his girls’ sporting events, but he was always there. He made legendary popcorn balls every Christmas while belting out “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,” and filled the house with warmth, laughter, and a deep sense of being loved.

Mike is now joyfully reunited with those who went before him: his parents, Richard “Dick” and Jean “Toni”; his sister, Christa; his best friend, Jim; the mother of his girls, Wanda; and his beloved black labs — hunting dog Abby and devoted companion Spade. We like to imagine him finally living out his cowboy dreams in heaven, where on his upcoming heavenly birthday, February 21, he will once again get to enjoy his mom’s famous corn fritters.

He is survived by his his wife, Cindy; daughters, Leah and Angie; son-in-law Craig and former son-in-law Chris; grandchildren, Caden, Drew, Selah, and Raina; sisters, Susan “Susie” and Linda; nephew, Ben, Ben’s wife, Alison; and many dear friends who will miss him deeply. The marks Mike left on all our hearts — through his kindness, humor, loyalty, and love — will never fade.

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