Louis "Big Louie" Dekker

Louis Bernard “Big Louie” Dekker, 65, Ledgeview, passed away July 28, 2011 at his home after a short battle with cancer. The son of the late Louis and Julia (Amich) Dekker was born December 6, 1945 in Ontonagon, MI. He attended Ontonagon High School and Northland College in Ashland, WI with a degree in Biology. He married Marie Vi Jensen on September 27, 1969 in Malone, WI. Louis worked at Proctor and Gamble for 30 years. He loved his family very much and was an avid sportsman and enjoyed his garden, tractor, trees, politics and spending time at the cottage in the UP. He is survived by: his wife, Marie; children: Carie (Dr. Phil) Gallagher, Kansas, Craig Dekker, California, Ryan Dekker and his daughter Psalm, Florida; sister, Marie Robicheau, Friendship, WI, brother, Mike (Geraldine) Dekker, Caledonia, IL; brother-in-law, Neale Jensen, Malone, WI. He is further survived by special family members: Caroline Smith, Laurie and Ken Smith; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends: Cliff Baltz, Tim Bellow, Bob Bildings, John Domitrovich, Mark Schink and Dave Rataczyk. Louis was preceded in death by: his parents, brother, Alvin Dekker; brother-in-law, Bob Robicheau and inlaws, Erwin and Jewel Jensen. Big Louis’ family will receive friends at Holy Family Catholic Church, corner of Michigan Pine streets, Ontonagon, MI on Saturday, September 10, 2011 beginning at 10:00 am (Eastern Daylight Time). Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Church on Sat., Sep 10th, at 11:00 am with Rev. Michael J. Jacobus officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Cotter Funeral Home, De Pere, has been assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. Marie would like to express her thanks to family and friends who have called or visited her during these past few weeks providing great support and helpfulness. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Louis’ friends and family for their support, as well as Bellin Hospital and Unity Hospice for all the care and concern they showed to Louis.