Early in the morning of Dec 29, 2025, Bill Decker was with a doctor and said, “I cannot see out of my left eye and I cannot lift my arms.” Within minutes, he died of a massive stroke. He could not be revived. His sudden loss of life has been keenly felt by his family and friends.
Bill was born April 22, 1949, and grew up in Battle Creek, MI, the son of William Herman Jr. and Verna (Brown) Decker. He graduated from Battle Creek High School and attended Michigan State University, majoring in Urban and Ethnic Relations. He then founded Celebration Candle Company with his sister. Bill and Sue designed and created candles which were sold internationally. After 5 years, Bill sold his share of the business to his sister to pay for his Master’s in Social Work at University of Michigan. The business was sold to Hallmark. His sister, Susan Decker Bradley, preceded him in death.
He spent 5 years in Michigan as a Substance Abuse Prevention Educator working in schools with teachers, students and families. Developing strong self-esteem was the watchword of the program.
Bill studied Tai Chi with master Chung Liang Huang and developed a spiritual life practicing both Transcendental Meditation and Tai Chi. He taught Tai Chi at the UU Church of Greater Lansing MI. The minister, The Rev Denise Tracy, was in his class. Their connection was immediate. They married in 1982, and were married two weeks shy of 44 years. Their marriage was a gift to both of them.
Denise accepted a position with the UUA requiring a move to Chicago. Bill changed his life to support Denise’s ministry. He worked with Ridge Associates, teaching Fortune 500 Executives to supervise, build teams, and resolve conflicts. He traveled the world teaching.
Bill and Denise adopted three children. Two girls from Thailand, Tracy Boontip Decker, and Clarke Li Decker Tracy, and a son, Kyle Liam Tracy Decker. They were the loves of his life. He shepherded them to sports, arts and academic activities. His focus on building self-esteem made him a superior parent. He had three grandchildren.
Bill enjoyed gardening, creating hand-built pots and reading. He and Denise bought old houses and restored them, two in Oak Park IL and their present home in Elgin IL, which was featured on the Elgin Historic House Walk in 2024. People stood in line for several hours to see it.
Bob had friends from kindergarten, high school, college, graduate school and from all his jobs. He kept in touch with everyone with monthly zoom groups.
Bill’s Memorial service was held April 11 at the UU Community Church in Park Forest IL. Denise had preached there often and Bill loved the friendship the congregation extended to him. Memorial contributions may be made to UUCCPF: 70 Sycamore, Park Forest IL or to Act Blue in memory and in honor of William Herman Decker III.