Karen (Mcpherson) Decker

Karen Decker, age 65 of Hastings, died Monday, May 2, 2016 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis following a sudden illness. Karen Louise, the daughter of Lloyd and Catherine (George) McPherson, was born on January 20, 1951, in Kansas City, Missouri. She lived in Kansas City until later moving to West Point, Nebraska, with her family during her junior year of high school. Karen then graduated from Cottage Grove in 1969, and was later united in marriage to James Decker on July 3, 1971, at St. Ritas Catholic Church in Cottage Grove. After moving to Hastings, Karen worked for a short time at Smeads prior to becoming the "lunch lady" for many years at Kennedy Elementary School, Hastings, and recently retired in June of 2015. She enjoyed crafting, crocheting, reading and fairy gardening. Karen especially loved spending time with her family and friends and will always be remembered for her big hugs. She was preceded in death by her parents, and by her siblings, Teresa Turner and Richard McPherson. Karen is survived by her husband, Jim; three daughters, Jenny (Pat) Overom of Andover, Andrea (Patrick) Vaccaro of Hastings and Elizabeth (Brian) Decker-Kennedy of Fargo, ND; her grandchildren, Ashley, Jimmy, Allison and Kate; her siblings, Lynda McPherson, David (Kim) McPherson, Donna (Al) Dockendorf, Jeff (Denise) McPherson, Bob McPherson, Bill (Christy) McPherson, Scott (Renee) McPherson, Shawn (Jodi) McPherson and Chris (Carol) McPherson; her sister-in-law, Sherry (Greg) McPherson Ness; and by her many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 7, 2016 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 West Fifteenth St., Hastings. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday at Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services, 201 East Seventh St., Hastings and also one hour prior to Mass at church on Saturday. Private family interment will be held at Cottage Grove Cemetery, Cottage Grove.