Contributed by: Mariah N. Bargman, Communications Manager
CHESTER – As St. John Lutheran Church and School embark on the “Building on a Foundation of Faith” Ministry Expansion Campaign, we are honored to dedicate a cross in recognition of the remarkable contributions of Vernon and Dorothy Decker.
The cross was designed, transported, and erected by volunteers. It was manufactured at cost by Roeslein and Associates as a donation and the remaining expenses were covered by the Decker family.
This dedication marks the beginning of a new facility project that will continue to serve our community for generations to come. The new cross will be placed on the new facility upon completion as a beacon like the current cross in place on the aging structure. The previous cross was dedicated on October 11, 1961, in memory of Chaplain Henry F. Gerecke by L.L.L. and inmates at the Illinois State Penitentiary.
Vernon C. Decker was born on July 13, 1925, baptized on July 29, 1925, and confirmed on March 17, 1940, at St. John Lutheran Church. He married Dorothy A. (Jacobs) Decker on November 21, 1953. Dorothy was born on July 21, 1928, baptized on August 5, 1928, and confirmed on April 16, 1941, at Holy Cross in Renault, IL.
Vernon played a pivotal role in the establishment of the St. John-sponsored Boy Scout Troop 47 in 1940, which later became Troop 347. He served as Scoutmaster for 50 years, guiding many St. John boys to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout and earning numerous awards for his dedication.
In 1970, Vernon began his tenure as St. John’s custodian, a position he held for 20 years until his retirement on May 30, 1990. He also served as PTL President and was named PTL Man of the Year in 1999. Vernon was an active member of the St. John Fellowship Club.
Dorothy operated a home daycare, nurturing many children who later attended St. John. She was actively involved in Cub Scouts, receiving several awards for her service. Dorothy was a dedicated member of the PTL, known for baking countless coffeecakes, and was named PTL Person of the Year in 1997. She also served as President of the LWML in 1999 and was a long-time quilter and meal server in the parish hall.
Vernon and Dorothy raised six children in the church: • Cynthia A. (Steven) Schumacher • Marilyn J. (Gary) Duensing • Neal V. (Alice) Decker • Brenda S. (Jimmy) Kirby • Sharon M. (Alan) Auld • Zina M. (Glenn) Bachert Their legacy extends to 16 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren, all of whom have been touched by their faith and service Cynthia Schumacher shared, “My parents’ dedication to St. John has been a guiding light for our family. Their faith and service have inspired us all to give back to our community.” Marilyn Duensing added, “Growing up, we saw firsthand the impact of our parents’ commitment to the church and school. This cross dedication is a fitting tribute to their lifelong devotion.”
Neal Decker, prior to his death, had been an active leader at St. John; he reflected about his parents, “Dad’s leadership in the Boy Scouts and Mom’s involvement in the PTL and LWML have left a lasting legacy.” The “Building on a Foundation of Faith” campaign is a bold initiative aimed at constructing a new, state-of-the-art facility for St. John Lutheran School. This new building will replace the current 111-year-old structure, ensuring a safe and modern environment for future generations. With $3.8 million already committed to the building fund, the campaign seeks to raise additional funds to reach the final goal of $6 million. The new facility will feature updated classrooms, meeting rooms, and spaces for community outreach, enhancing the church’s mission of Christian education and discipleship. The construction is set to begin in March 2025 and is scheduled for completion by May 2028. The project will meet modern safety, efficiency, and educational standards, benefiting both the congregation and the wider community.
The success of the “Building on a Foundation of Faith” campaign relies on the collective efforts of the St. John community and beyond. Here are the ways you can contribute: Pray: Regularly pray for the success of the campaign and for God’s guidance throughout the process. Give: Consider making a monetary contribution. Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to our goal. Serve: Volunteer your time and talents to support the campaign and the ongoing mission of St. John Lutheran Church and School.
We invite everyone to join us in this exciting venture, ensuring that St. John Lutheran School continues to be a cornerstone of Christian education and community service for many years to come. We are proud to dedicate this cross in honor of Vernon and Dorothy Decker, whose unwavering commitment to St. John Lutheran Church and School has left an indelible mark on our congregation and community. Their legacy of faith and service will continue to inspire us as we move forward with this exciting new chapter.