Kenneth E. “Sam” Decker

KALIDA – Kenneth E. “Sam” Decker, 82, of Kalida, passed away peacefully at 11:19 a.m., Monday, January 12, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 7, 1943, in Kalida to the late Bill and Florence “Bonnie” (Hadding) Decker. On May 1, 1965, he married Eileen F. Buss, who preceded him in death on January 17, 2022.

Survivors include three children: Denise (Jeff) Kreinbrink of Leipsic, Joe (Denise) Decker and Dan (Lisa) Decker, both of Kalida; ten grandchildren: Brooke (Dylan) Kleman, Emily (Bryant) Clymer, Logan Kreinbrink, Levi Kreinbrink, Cassidy Decker, Olivia Decker, Garrett Decker, Cody Decker, Alexis (Ryan) Erhart and Braden Decker; seven great-grandchildren: Molly, Tayt and Zoey Kleman, Isabella, Adrian and Sophia Erhart, and Liam Clymer; and a sister, Barb “Sis” Nichols.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by three brothers: John “Jack” (Pat) Decker, Fred (Jane) Decker and James “Buzz” (Bev) Decker; and a brother-in-law, Kenny Nichols.

Sam retired from the Tank Plant, Lima, where he worked as a welder. He served as a paramedic for the Kalida EMS and ran with the Kalida Fire Department for many years. He had a passion for helping others. Sam was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Kalida. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping and camping. Sam especially loved spending time with his family and friends, playing cards and sharing stories around the campfire.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 16, 2026, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Kalida with Fr. Phil Smith officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township and 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to mass at the church. A rosary service will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com.