[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 46 (Thursday, March 16, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF NILS MICHAEL DECKER

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 16, 2017

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and career of 
Mr. Nils Michael ``Mike'' Decker of Fresno. Mike Decker passed away on 
Tuesday, February 14, 2017 in Fresno, California.
  Mike was a wonderful, kind man and a dedicated educator. Mike was 
born in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. His career in education began at St 
Alphonso's School in Fresno, California followed by Orange Center 
School in Fresno.
  Mike then served 25 years as Principal and Superintendent at Laton 
Unified School District in Fresno County. In addition, Mike also served 
on my State Assembly Staff as District Director.
  In addition to his friends and family, Mike was adored by his 
students. Mike positively influenced the lives of thousands of children 
with this commitment to education and he helped many young people reach 
for the stars.
  Nils Michael Decker is survived by his wife of 52 years, Diana 
Decker, his son, Timothy J. Decker, his son, Scott A. Decker and his 
wife, Maria and his daughter, Katherine Decker. He is also survived by 
his grandchildren, Michael Hill, Jadyn Garrett, Nicholas Decker and his 
great granddaughter, Neelia Grace Hill.
  Mike's sister, Margo Bellman and his brother Gordon Decker both of 
Michigan also survive him.
  I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the life and career 
of Nils Michael Decker, a hero to his family, a wonderful role model 
for educators and exemplary father, grandfather, great grandfather and 
friend.

                          ____________________