Clare Irene (McManus) Decker

Clare Irene McManus Decker, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, at the age of 87. Born in Easton, Missouri, Clare was one of sixteen children of Joseph C. McManus and Kathleen Allgaier McManus. Growing up in a bustling household, Clare learned early the values of hard work, compassion, and resilience - qualities she carried with her throughout her life.

Clare graduated from Duchesne College in Omaha, Nebraska, earning a Bachelor of Arts in biology. Her intellectual curiosity and love of learning led her to a diverse and meaningful career. She worked as a scientist for the Douglas County Health Department, where she contributed to public health and safety with dedication. She also taught high school biology at Duchesne, sharing her knowledge and passion for science with young minds. Later, she became the secretary for her husband Robert G Decker's law practice, where her organizational skills and warm demeanor made her an indispensable part of the team.

Clare was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert, her parents, her brothers James, Frank, John, Charles, and William, and sisters Dorothy Burns, Mary Vanzant, Alice Valencia, Margaret Felling, Rita Reznik, and infant Helen. She is survived by her devoted siblings: Joanne Keiter, Eileen Blasi, Barbara Smith, and Michael McManus.

She is survived by her children: Michael Decker (Cheryl), Sara Huckfeldt (Tom), and Mary Crockett (Tim), who will always remember her as a steady source of love, wisdom, and encouragement. Clare was a proud grandmother to 6 granddaughters and 1 grandson, and a great-grandmother of 7, delighting in every milestone and memory shared with her growing family.

Clare had a quiet strength, gentle sense of humor, and an infectious laugh. She loved crossword puzzles and clipping newspaper articles that contained "helpful advice" to those who could "use help. She was an avid competitive bridge player, and a feared competitor in her family's holiday hearts card game.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, located at 14330 Eagle Run Drive, Omaha, NE 68164. A luncheon will immediately follow the Mass. A private family burial will take place after the luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Sophie Society at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart. The Sophie Society is an endowed fund that supports the stability and growth of faculty salaries so Duchesne may continue to attract and retain the most qualified, dedicated and inspired educators for future generations of Duchesne students.