David Kent Decker

David Kent Decker was called home too soon on July 26, 2025 at the age of 33.

David’s life was a mixture of love for family and friends, adventure, and the great outdoors. He was a devoted son and grandson to his mom and dad, Katherine and Chris Kinney, and his grandparents, Kent and Beth Decker, who are all heartbroken by his passing.

David was raised in Roberts, Wisconsin and graduated from St. Croix Central High School in 2010. He enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard in 2009 and proudly served for eight years. Shortly after high school, David worked side by side with his dad and grandpa cleaning up train derailments until branching off to work for the BNSF railroad, where he served as a dedicated carman since 2014.

David’s days were filled with fishing adventures - whether it was sitting patiently on the ice during winter, casting a line during summer, or most recently fly fishing, he cherished moments spent by the water. His passion extended to golfing, grilling for family and friends, and cooking meals that brought people together. His motorcycle rides also brought a smile to his face, as did his tinkering around with welding and mountain biking. His dogs, Daisy and Flash, were his constant companions, bringing lots of joy and a little mischief to his life every day.

As his dearest friends have said, David was an incredible soul with a touch of wild spirit that made him unforgettable. Secretly, we wished we could tame just a little bit of it, but in truth it’s part of what made him so special. He will forever be remembered for his readiness to be there for those he loved most. He was ready to help, to listen, to be a shoulder when you needed one. His laugh, quick wit, and playful sense of humor made him so much fun to be around. David had a heart of pure gold that will be deeply missed but forever remembered by his family and friends for lifetimes to come.

Dave’s ability to take life as it came without dwelling on the past is one of the many amazing qualities his loved ones cherished most. As a family, we ask that there be no “what-if’s”, that is not how Dave lived. Dave was Dave and he was amazing just the way he was.

David is preceded in death by uncle Matthew Kent Decker and survived by his parents Katie & Chris Kinney; grandparents Kent & Beth Decker; brother Michael and his sons Colten and Landen, sister Kayla and her daughter Brinley, sister Jessica; his father Jacob Inskeep (Jenny), brother Eli, & sister Maddy.

A memorial service will be 5 PM Saturday August 23 with Visitation starting at 3 PM at O'Connell Funeral Home, 1010 Newton St. Baldwin. Celebration to follow at Ras' on Main in Hammond.