William "Bill" Decker

William Alexander Decker died peacefully on July 5, 2026, after battling a multitude of illnesses. He suffered from Ankylosing Spondylitis, a rare form of arthritis, for over 40 years. Though his outward body failed him throughout his life, his deep faith in Christ Jesus kept him strong.

Bill was born on February 20, 1952, in Williamsport, PA, to John Christian Decker and Elizabeth Ann Talley. He graduated from Bucknell University in Lewisberg, PA with a degree in Journalism. Later, he received a Master of Arts in Communication from Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. He received a second Masters of Theology at Luther-Northwestern Seminary in St. Paul, MN. He moved to Ottawa, IL where he met and married Cynthia D Morris. They were married on August 8, 1981, and had two children, Kurtis W Decker (Andrea) & Laura E Decker.

Everything Bill did was a reflection of his Christian faith. He shared God’s love through his vocation of writing. He worked as a journalist with Wycliffe Bible Translators in both the Philippines and, later with Cindy, in Papua New Guinea. He was the Editor-in-Chief of the professional magazine, Lutheran Partners, at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America for 22 years. He finished his career working as a grant writer at JOURNEY’S: The Road Home, where he raised over one million dollars. This organization provides shelter, counseling, and housing resources to end homelessness.

His deep love of music was evident when he played the piano, and later, the organ. Whether playing at home or leading the “Bill Decker Praise Band” at St Mark Lutheran Church, his style was exuberant. In his retirement, he was the Music Director at Messiah Lutheran Church where he loved arranging preludes and working with the small-but-mighty choir. Until his death, he was also a contributing member of the Global Missions Team at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights. He was gifted at connecting overseas missionaries with local churches.

He is survived by his wife, of 44 years, Cindy, his daughter, Laura, his son, Kurtis (Andrea), three grandsons, Kaleb, Luke, & Ryan, of Mahomet, IL, his older brother, J. Fred Decker (Yelena), of San Francisco, sisters and brothers-in-law, many nieces and nephews, and friends around the world.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Arthritis Foundation

JOURNEY’S: The Road Home

The Assistance Ministry at Messiah Lutheran Church, Park Ridge

Visitation Sunday, July 26, 2026, 9am until the Celebration of Life Service beginning at 10:15am at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1605 Vernon Ave., Park Ridge, IL 60068. Light lunch will follow. Interment Plattville Lutheran Cemetery, 5475 Bell Rd., Minooka, IL 60447.

Arrangements entrusted to Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner St., Des Plaines, IL 60016. For more information, please call (847) 824-5155.

For those who are unable to attend in person, join us on online by livestreaming the services at the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/live/8NjSZf0JctE