LLoyd Francis DeDecker

Lloyd Francis DeDecker

WEST POINT a€" Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather Lloyd Francis DeDecker passed peacefully from this world and into the Savior''s loving arms Thursday, November 20, 2008 from natural causes.

He was born May 18, 1920 in Appleton, WI to Louis James and Ada Esther Auerswald DeDecker.

He was married to Doris Riehl September 16, 1946. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City Temple.

He grew up in Appleton, WI and developed a high work ethic and was working odd jobs at a young age. In his youth he was an avid sportsman and was active in baseball (and before his military service he dreamed of being a catcher on a major league team). He was also involved in boxing and basketball.

Lloyd proudly served in the United States Navy during WWII as a Radar Technician on a Naval Destroyer; often under fire in the Mediterranean Sea.

After his service in the military he became a master painter and with friends built his own home. Later he and his brother Ralph owned and operated a Service Master franchise in Appleton. Then, after he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he decided he was ready to handle his own franchise. At that time there were only two Service Master franchises available, the one in San Diego was rejected for the one in Ogden, Utah to be closer to the center of the Church. This was the first carpet cleaning business in Ogden. During this time, the company also laid carpets and contracted for painting jobs. Lloyd eventually opened DeDecker Painting which was sold a few years ago. While raising his young family he took a second job at Cream O'' Weber Dairy. After retiring he took over the gardening and raised delicious produce which he willingly shared.

He would say his favorite pastimes were hanging around his favorite fishing hole, traveling with family and searching the scriptures. He greatly enjoyed reading Jesus the Christ. He had an unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ and His plan of salvation. As a convert he served in the Appleton Branch Presidency. Lloyd was a faithful home teacher, Sunday school teacher and a member of the ward choir. Lloyd was a deep thinker and enjoyed a lively discussion of many subjects. He had many interesting stories of his war experiences. For the past eight years he has cared for his wife who has suffered several strokes after open heart surgery.

He was a loving and caring father and dedicated his whole life to his family. His advice, counsel and anchors will be missed but remembered. As a family we are thankful for 29 glorious extra years from bypass surgery by Russell M. Nelson.

Lloyd is survived by his companion of 62 years Doris, daughter Marsha (Erwin deceased) Stone of Ogden; sons, James Jay (Sherma) DeDecker of Ogden; Dennis Lloyd (Sherilyn) DeDecker DDS of Kaysville. Also surviving are grandchildren Leah Kay a€" raised as a daughter (Kevin) Egan of Virginia; Troy D. DeDecker, Tamara S. Tuivaiti, Michael A. DeDecker, Michelle S. Wakefield, eight great-grandchildren, one brother, Benjamin DeDecker of WI; and 12 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers David and Ralph Lloyd Francis DeDecker.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the West Point 10th Ward, 2852 W. 300 No. Friends and family may call Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road and Tuesday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the church.

Interment, Kaysville City Cemetery where military honors will be accorded.