Jonathan David Decker

Jonathan (Jon) David Decker, devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle and best friend, was reunited with his Lord and Savior at the age of 53 on Friday, October 31, 2025, after a valiant battle against colon cancer for nearly 5 years. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones at University of Michigan Sparrow Hospital. He was born on Friday, August 25, 1972, the son of David and Geneva Decker in Lansing, Michigan.

Jon grew up within the Pine Dell Subdivision in Delhi Township, amidst a big backyard with an extensive fort, tire swing hung from a giant oak tree, surrounded by neighborhood kids, and the Sycamore Creek to explore. Summers spent at the family cabin at Houghton Lake ignited a passion for anything related to water. He graduated from Holt High School in 1990 and pursued the healthcare field studying at Jackson College and Central Michigan University. Jon had an insatiable curiosity, coupled with a determination to pursue the depths of anything that intrigued him. His fascination with the Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, fantasy and medieval movies, books and games, Martial Arts, the fathoms of the ocean and sharks, historical reenactments, forging bows, swords and knives, and affinities for Gaelic, Japanese and Native American cultures stayed with him his whole life. He was a collector of things related to anything that was practical to him; but most importantly Jon collected memories. He loved traveling and being with friends and family, whether it was a simple Sunday dinner, a Pennway Church of God Youth trip or an extensive family excursion to Yellowstone, Acadia and, most recently, the Philippines.

Jon’s uncontainable spirit was fashioned by his upbringing and a “no retreat-no surrender” journey through juvenile diabetes, becoming legally blind as a young adult and fighting cancer through chemotherapy and numerous procedures. Through it all he maintained his playful humor, willingness to debate anything, an impish grin, hugs where you could feel all his love for you in that single embrace, unconditional love, acceptance and confidant, and most of all faith that evoked hope for all those around him. The family is grateful to God for all the days they had with him and by extension offer a special thanks to the incredible staff at New Hope Church for their comfort and support throughout his transition.

Jon is survived by the love of his life, Nenita (Neth), devoted mothers, Geneva Decker and Blandina Pancho, tenacious brothers, Joe (Nicole) Decker, Sam Pancho, Alan (Michelle) Pancho, vigilant sisters, Amy Decker, Estella (Richie) Isla, Lorena (Alfie) Perez, Jodelyn (Nick) Borja, Marilyn (Mutsuto Iijima) Pancho, and Ruby (Joril) Evangelista. He cared deeply for all his family but none more than he and Neth’s beautiful daughter, Nichole Pancho. The ripple of his loss is felt through the generations by his nephews, Kevin (Katie) Decker, Kayden “K” and Bryson “Peach Fuzz” Decker, Gabriel Pancho, Richestel Isla, Heiden Borja and Noah Iijima, nieces, Randi Decker, Madelaine Schultz (Aaron Trudeau), Niña Pancho, Richelle (George) Wong, Jellian and Alliana Perez, Nikka Borja, Iori Okubo, and Alison, Kendra and Yohan Evangelista, great nephews, Lucas Torres-Abrego, Bowen and Brooks Decker, and Garrett Wong, and Jon’s faithful companion, Riley.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Floyd and Frances Decker and Marcus and Lourina Hawley, and fathers, David Decker and Delfin Pancho.

For those wishing, a memorial donation may be made in memory of Jon Decker to New Hope Church or a cancer, hospice or juvenile diabetes organization of your choice.

The Decker Family will host a luncheon immediately following the service.