Gloria Francis

VISITATION:

4-7 p.m., Wednesday, July 9 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel

and from 10-11 a.m., Thursday, July 10 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel

SERVICE:

11 a.m., Thursday, July 10 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel

Gloria E. Decker Francis, 87, of Chippewa Falls, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, July 4, 2014 at Wissota Place Assisted Living.

She was born October 3, 1926 in Chicago to Ethel (Johnson) and Harry Loepp. While living in Chicago as a young girl, Gloria sang in a band and was a wonderful dancer. At age 17, she and her family moved to Chippewa Falls.

In 1945, she married Gordon "Sonny" Decker in Chippewa Falls. Together they had eight children. They resided in Chippewa Falls where Gloria worked as a seamstress from her home. She made drapes and other housewares for many department stores over the years. She also worked for the Northern Center as an aide until her retirement. Gordon preceded her in death in 1977.

On November 11, 1978, Gloria married Ralph Francis. The couple loved to travel and had many memorable trips around the U.S. They also enjoyed many warm winters in Apache Junction, Arizona.

Gloria's faith was an important part of her life and she enjoyed being an active member of her church. She was a former member of Central Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir. She was a charter member of Christ Lutheran Church, Chippewa Falls.

She is survived by four daughters, Pat (Dave) Laube of Stevens Point, Judy Moore of TX, Susan (Mike) Anglum, Nancy (Matthew) Decker-Young, all of Chippewa Falls; four sons, Ronnie Decker of CA, David (Karen) Decker of TX, Steve (Jocelyn) Decker, Tim (Bonita) Decker, all of Chippewa Falls; 13 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Gordon; her second husband, Ralph; a son-in-law, Chris Moore; and her grandson, Jared Gordon Decker.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, July 10 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls with the Rev. Mark Homp of Christ Lutheran Church officiating. Interment will follow at Bateman Cemetery, town of Lafayette.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday and one hour prior to the service Thursday at the funeral chapel.

AFTERSERVICE

A funeral service for Gloria E. Decker Francis was held at 11 a.m., Thursday, July 10 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls. The Rev. Mark Homp officiated and music was provided by organist, Marilyn Brace and vocalist, Mark Hanson. Personal reflections were given by family friend Del Hasmuk. Interment was at Bateman Cemetery, town of Lafayette. Casket bearers were Joe and Mike Decker, Mike and J.R. Roe, Dave and Cory Laube.