Kraig Everett Decker, 68, of Valparaiso, Indiana for only the past few months passed away Sunday, November 24, 2024, at the VNA Hospice Center. He was born December 18, 1955, in Great Barrington, Massachusetts to Wilbur & Evelyn (Pectal) Decker James, and graduated from Taconic Hills High School in Philmont, New York. Kraig made his career as a carpenter in the construction trades where he could woodsmith anything from the most delicate decorative trim to framing his own home and numerous homes in his career. He was the one you asked if you needed something figured out, so much so that he was given the nickname “Doctor Decker” by one of his best friends. Always ready to lend someone a hand, he had served proudly as a volunteer firefighter for many years and loved staying active whether it involved his passion for cars or anything with four wheels, he could be found in his garage tinkering with anything he thought could be fixed or improved upon.
On November 22, 1985, he married Linda Roberts Decker who survives along with their children: Joshua (MaryBeth) Decker & Lindsey (Christopher) Mortimer, grandchildren: Michaela Decker, Taylor Mortimer & Ryan Mortimer, brother, Kimberly Decker and companion Marcella, aunt, Lucene Harrington, nephew Matthew (Denise) Decker and many loving cousins, friends, co-workers and all of Linda’s family. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Kraig and Linda resided many years in Cape Coral, Florida before retiring to Washington Island, Wisconsin before their recent move to Valparaiso. His untimely passing will be felt by friends in each of those communities and will reverberate through his and Linda’s families for years to come.
Following cremation at Angelcrest Crematory a private family celebration of Kraig’s life will be held. Memorial donations may be given to the David Spude Cancer Center Oncology Unit, c/o Door County Medical Center Foundation, P.O. Box 230, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235.
GUESTBOOK
So sorry for Kraig’s untimely passing, his wit and humor will be lost forever.. we will miss him greatly. Sending hugs and love to Linda and the kids. -Jackie and Bob Dextraze
Have a heavy heart at this time kraig was my brother-in-law. He was a good brother-in-law lots of memories so proud of what he accomplished through his life. He was good to me when I had my losses he will be greatly missed. May you rest in peace, my dear Kraig this is hard to believe you are gone, but you are now free to fly high wherever you go. you will always have a place in my heart. -Peggy Erwin
Thinking of you. Kraig, thank you for the laughs and smiles over the years!!! You are going to be missed. Linda- Sending hugs your way and lots of love from Florida! -Heather and Dave Minore
We are so heart broken. Kraig and Linda were so much a part of our family. He made our son’s crib. He made a beautiful toddler chair with a heart in the top of the back rest. Kraig designed my hope chest that has sat at the end of our bed for 42 yrs. A master carpenter. A warm and compassionate human being. And one of my best friend’s husband for many many years. We love you both and will always continue so. Till we meet again, fly high and soar. -Bonnie & John Dawson
Condolences to the family. We met Kraig at a Volkswagen show in Wesley Chapel Florida became good friends. When he lived in Cape Coral off of Sand Road we also had a place there for the summer. We also stayed on Sanibel Island and one time Kraig came and ate dinner with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. -Bill Taylor
So sorry for your loss, I spent so much time in his garage while he worked on my car, we always went to car shows together, he will be missed. -Bobby Wright
I’m so sorry to hear about Kraig you have been in my prayers and still are. I am glad to have known you both the short time you were on the Island. So glad I stopped before you left. Take care and come and visit us sometime Blessings, -Marlene Mann
I am so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of Kraig, growing up in Copake N.Y. and often being in the same class in elementary school. Rest easy. -Anne Zittell Peters
We miss you on the island and will miss you in the coming years and your family. -Mary Lou Everett
My brother inlaw and friend, school mate . He was so happy when I got married again lol no more honey do’s he said . Kraig never said no to me but would always joke , ( what ya want now lol ) only to always lend a hand !! ALWAYS!!! I will never forget his kindness!!! His love for his family always came first !!! Whatever advice you needed he was there too . He worked soooo hard and his boots showed it !!! My heart is broken for my Dear sister and his children and grandchildren Rip Kraig watch over everyone, I’ll be looking for a feather, love from -Doug and Coleen Dean
Our hearts were broken with the news of Kraigs passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. -Rick and Linda Klug
Kraig was the kind of person that made this world a better place. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and anyone who knew him. Just know that he still lives on in your hearts. May his loved ones be surrounded by healing loving light in hopes that the tears will soon be turned into smiles from the wonderful moments of Kraig. -Marilyn S Barnes
