John "Jack" Barry Decker

John Barry “Jack” Decker, 83, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026 in Rapid City, South Dakota. Born on September 5, 1942, in Montgomery, Alabama, Jack’s life journey eventually led him back to the wide-open country that always felt most like home.

After losing his father in Chicago at the age of six, Jack and his three brothers were raised by their mother, whose strength and determination carried four boys forward. The family resettled in White River, South Dakota, where Jack attended school and graduated with the Class of 1960.

During his high school years, Jack lived with the Krogman family on their ranch where he worked during the summers. Ranch life suited him. It shaped his work ethic, strengthened his independence, and deepened his appreciation for long days and honest labor. After graduation, he chose to stay on the ranch and continue his work.

In 1965, he jumped in the car with his brother Bill to attend the University of South Dakota, graduating in 1969 with a degree in business. A bad knee kept him out of military service during the Vietnam war, sending his life in a different direction. He worked construction jobs with different companies including the Green Construction Company. Green Construction later transferred him north to Alaska, where he spent four years working as a camp manager on the Trans Alaska Pipeline. He later joked those were the “longest four years of his life,” but the experience reflected his grit and willingness to go where the work was.

Eventually, an opportunity took him east to Philadelphia Park, where he built a career managing and training racehorses. For ten years he worked at the track, later training his own horses. One of his proudest accomplishments was winning a $50,000 race in the 1990s, a moment he remembered as a big one.

Jack valued hard work, loyalty, and straight talk. Those who knew him understood his strong opinions and the temper, which he admitted, softened with age. Beneath that was a man who cared deeply for his friends and family.

He remained close to his lifelong friends including Nolan Tucker and John Jordan, and he was especially proud of his godson, Aaron Jordan, who retired as a full colonel in the United States Armed Forces.

Jack is survived by his brother Henry (Jim) and Ellie Decker of Dover, DE and brother William (Bill) and Bonnie Decker of Bullhead City, AZ. He is also survived by his Godson Aaron Jordan of Sturgis, SD and his brothers’ children: HJ (Michigan), Ferrell (Texas), Stephanie (Washington DC), John (Delaware), Jennifer (Tennessee), Shannon (California), and Steve (Idaho). Per his wishes, burial will take place in Nenzel, Nebraska where Jack will be laid to rest beside his mother Matilda and brother Steve in Nenzle, NE. His father Henry rests in Chicago, IL.

Arrangements are entrusted to Kinkade Funeral Home. A gathering of friends will be hosted in White River with the date to be determined.

The Decker Family wishes to extend a heartfelt note of gratitude to the amazing staff at Avantara North, Stillwater Hospice, the ladies of White River for keeping Jack company, and Aaron Jordan for his love and support.

In his understated way, Jack was once asked what people might say about him when he was gone. He replied, “I don’t expect them to say much of anything, as long as they don’t badmouth me too bad.” Those who knew him, however, will remember a life marked by hard work, loyalty, and dry humor.