Martin Dekker

Martin John "Marty" Dekker, age 88 passed away on Friday, January 23, 2015. He was born on October 10, 1926 in Sheboygan to parents Matthew and Dena (Leys) Dekker. Marty served proudly in the US Army. Marty was united in marriage on September 15, 1953 to Harriet Heinen at Gibbsville Reformed Church. He worked for 42 years at H.C. Prange Company. Marty was dedicated to helping others. He volunteered at St. Nicholas Hospital and Golden Living Care Center, and drove people in need of rides to medical appointments. Marty was an elder at Christ Community Church, formerly First Christian Reformed Church. Later he helped with bulletin production and enjoyed giving birthday and anniversary cards to members. Marty enjoyed listening to WVCY radio, bowling, working in the yard, and word search puzzles. Martin is survived by five children, Mary Dekker of Oshkosh, WI, Phil (Susie) Dekker of Portland, OR, Gail (Rich) Salm of Madison, WI, Patti (Tim) Dykstra of Byron Center, MI, and Kathy (Ken) Kregel of Jenison, MI; ten grandchildren, Jeff (Sarah) Dekker, Joshua Dekker, Carolyn Dekker, Jason Salm, Kristin (Adam) Gabriel, Kate Dykstra, Chad (Stacy) Dykstra, Ryan (Holly) Kregel, Hannah Kregel and Clayton Kregel; three great-granddaughters, Zoey Kregel, Elise Gabriel and Emma Dykstra; one sister, Dorothy TenPas; one brother, Ted Dekker; one brother-in-law, Warren (Phyllis) Heinen, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Martin was preceded in death by his parents, loving wife Harriet, brothers; Peter (Rena) (Elsie) Dekker and Danker (Martha) Dekker, sisters; Maude (Gordon) Heinen, Catherine (Rudy) Huizenga and Margaret (Gordon) Hilbelink, brothers-in-law; Elmer (Christina) and Lester (Maude) Heinen and Harold TenPas, and sisters-in-law; Jeanette and Carolyn Heinen and Crystal Dekker. A time of visitation and support will be held on Friday, January 30, at Ballhorn Chapels, 1201 N. 8th Street, from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Continued visitation on Saturday, January 31, at Christ Community Church, 428 Geele Ave., from 10:00 AM until time of Funeral Service at 11:00 AM, with Pastor Larry Meyer presiding. Committal will be at Garden of Peace Mausoleum at Greenlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the church are appreciated.