Gretchen Renee Decker, age 47, of Little York, Illinois, died at 1:21 PM
on Thursday, June 13, 2019 in Henry County, Illinois as a result of a
traffic accident. She was born on December 22, 1971 in Furth, Germany,
the daughter of Russell “Rusty” and Sandra K. (Bridgman) Decker.
Gretchen attended school in the Union School District and was a graduate
of Union High School with the Class of 1990. After school, she proudly
served her Country in the United States Air Force for 4 years. When
Gretchen’s service was complete, she attended Western Illinois
University where she graduated with a degree in Law Enforcement. During
her college years, she worked at the Good Hope Convenience Store, Beck’s
Convenience Store, and Shopko both in Monmouth. Currently, Gretchen was
a meter reader for Donco Electrical Services.
Gretchen loved all animals and had many “Fur Babies” of her own. She
worked many hours with animal rescue and especially Western Illinois
Animal Rescue in Monmouth, Illinois. Gretchen also enjoyed fishing,
auctions, and finding that unique antique.
She is survived by her father, Russell “Rusty” Decker of Gladstone,
Illinois; her brother, Russell (Amanda) Decker, Jr. of Galesburg,
Illinois; one niece, Jade Decker; three nephews, Tanner (Sara) Decker,
Trace (Sydney) Decker, and Drake Decker; one step-sister, Dawn (John)
Legier or Makanda, Illinois; and her step-grandfather, Ed Ronner of
Gladstone, Illinois. A number of other relatives are also surviving. She
is preceded in death by her mother, Sandra Decker, maternal and paternal
grandparents, one aunt, and several uncles.
A funeral service is planned for 1:30 PM on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at
Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka, Illinois. Her family will be present
to greet friends at a visitation from 5:00-7:00 PM on Tuesday, June 18,
2019 also at the funeral home. Interment with Military Honors will be in
the Oquawka Cemetery after the Wednesday service. Memorial can be left
to the family or Western Illinois Animal Rescue in Monmouth. For more
information, or to leave a remembrance of Gretchen, please visit
www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com.
