Full Obituary

     Mary Lou Helen Decker, age 86, of Port Orange, Florida, formally of Greenwood, went home to be with her Savior and Lord on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 5:55 a.m. in her home, following a brief illness.  As her firstborn son held her hand, she breathed her Earthly last, then breathed her Heavenly first.  
     Mary Lou Helen Stewart was born on October 24, 1934 in High Bridge, Wisconsin to Robert and Minnette (Thompson)Stewart.  She attended elementary, junior high, high, and nursing schools, fulfilling the joy of her heart: serving others with care and compassion.  She continued that wonderful care with her beautiful heart, even clasping her hands in prayer for all her loved ones near the end of her life while under home hospice care.  Thank you, Mom, for always being the hands and feet of Jesus. 
     She married the love of her life, Donald Lawrence Decker, on January 7, 1956, and they lived just north of Greenwood for many years raising their seven children.  Following the death of Donald, Mary Lou was surprised by love a second time, and on December 26, 1998, she married Nyle Brandt. 
     She was a longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church of Greenwood, and while living in Florida, she was a faithful member of CrossRoads Church of Daytona Beach. 
     Survivors include the following: her four sons, Donald(Jill)of Corona, CA, Randall(Randy)of Eau Claire, WI, Ronald(Ron)of Eau Claire, WI, Duane(Jodi)of Vancouver, WA, her three beautiful daughters, Mrs. Kenneth (Linda)Rogers of Gainesville, GA, Mrs. Kevin(Kimberly)Wilfert of Germantown, WI,  Mrs. Rugg(Jennifer)Lindner of Greenwood, WI, and one sister, Mrs. Gary(Helen)Rohde of Hudson, WI. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren:  Stewart, Christina, Elisa, Jace, Lynelle, Hannah, Allegra, Dawson, Lee, Michael, Ryan, Decker, Trenton, and Rylan, plus two great-granddaughters: Sophia and Ember. She is also survived by Nyle's three children: Lee Ann Hischer, Duane Brandt, and Brenda Kolbeck.  
     Mary Lou was preceded in death by the following: her parents, her five brothers: (Robert, Glenn, Keith, Duane, and Lloyd), her two sisters: (Kathryn Minnette and Hazel), her husbands: (Donald Decker and Nyle Brandt), her infant daughter, and a granddaughter, Angel Sarah Rogers.
     Mary Lou will be fondly remembered as "The Cookie Lady," as she had such a gift in that area.  She baked each sweet treat with lovingkindness and either sent or hand-delivered them with a joyful heart and a warm smile. She had a wonderful "cookie ministry," sharing with others the sweet treats, along with the love of her Lord. 
 
Ephesians 3:20
 
Due to COVID-19 virus concerns and the ever-changing Wisconsin weather, a graveside service is currently planned to be held at the Greenwood Cemetery on July 25, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. (coordinating with the every fourth Sunday in July Stewart-Thompson family reunion).  A confirmation announcement regarding this date and location will be made in this paper approximately one month prior to July 25, 2021. All family and friends are encouraged to come and celebrate the life of this most wonderful young lady. Afterwards, family members can proceed to the Greenwood Park to help make Mom super proud and happy, to have everyone present at the family reunion.....what a day that will be!