Eric G. Decker

Eric G. Decker, of Cary, passed away May 1, 2024. 

Eric lovingly embraced the role of partner, father, and grandfather. He was a friend and mentor to many. Eric filled his life with a wide variety of passions, pursuing each to perfection. He was a trailblazer and teacher during his 30+ years as a lead builder of high-speed, automated systems for numerous industries. He loved stargazing with his telescope and won an award for capturing the Hyakutake comet in 1996. 
Eric was an avid fisherman, be it with friends in The Boundary Waters or with his grandkids on the banks of the Fox River. Flying his DJI drones and photography were other pastimes. He had a keen eye for the unique aspects of nature and people. He was a natural with all things mechanical, from computers, TVs, and cell phones to car rebuilds. The joyous sound of his 2002 Z06 Corvette meant he was doing one of his favorite activities. Equally pleasurable for Eric was food, with cooking being as enjoyable as eating. Though his own health was a constant challenge, Eric was attentive to the needs of others, generously giving items, his time, and his knowledge. Eric made the most of the life he had on this earth and will live on in the hearts of us all.

Eric is survived by his fiancée, Cyndi Hartzell; his children, Megan [Matthew] Anders (Hartzell), Lucas Hartzell, and Garrett Hartzell; his grandchildren, Mary Anders, Kimble Anders, and Rory Anders; his siblings, Greg Decker and Susanne Streul; and his niece, Melissa Olesen and her children, Sean Sparks, Joseph Ross, and Gavin Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George J. Decker and Mary L. Decker (Scatena).

Visitation will be held Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 3:00 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E Terra Cotta Ave (Rt. 176) Crystal Lake.

Donations in Eric’s memory may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org/ways-to-give