Anna Decker

Anna Decker, age 72, of Tuscarawas, died unexpectedly Thursday evening, March 3, 2005, in The Cleveland Clinic.Born November 13, 1932 in Wainwright, she was a daughter of the late Marco and Lena Bonzi Comignaghi. Anna grew up in a large family, and learned early in life the importance of caring for and nurturing her family. She graduated in 1950 from Tuscarawas High School, and sixteen months later married her high school sweetheart, John J. Decker, on November 6, 1952, in Liberty, Indiana. At the time of their marriage, John was enlisted in the United States Navy, so Anna remained in Tuscarawas while he served in Virginia until his discharge. Over the years, the couple has been dedicated, caring, and servant-oriented to the community. On Valentines Day, they were the guests of honor at the Ohio Department of Aging’s Joined Hearts of Giving reception given by First Lady Hope Taft at the Governor’s Mansion. The two were instrumental in the visioning, fundraising and completion of low-income senior housing known as Warwick and Lions Manors. Anna and John have always been very supportive of one another, and would have celebrated their fifty-third wedding anniversary this November. In addition to her responsibilities at home, Anna assisted John in the operation of the former Twin City Meats for more than forty years. Anna was an active member of the former St. Therese’s Catholic Church in Wainwright, serving on the altar society and volunteering wherever needed until she became a member of Sacred Heart Church in 1995. She was also member of the Wainwright Canasta Club.Anna leaves behind her husband, John, and the two children they reared together; Cheryl (Randy) Martin of New Philadelphia, and Dave (Joanne) Decker of North Canton, grandchildren; Erica Martin of Cleveland Heights, Chad Martin of Canton, Jonathan, Benjamin and Caitlin Decker of North Canton, sisters; Lena (Richard) Stellarini of Canton, Helen (Dan) Guspyt of Port Washington, and Stella Campbell of Uhrichsville, brothers; Robert Comignaghi of Bloomingdale GA, Jack Bonzi of Tuscarawas, and John “Butch” Comignaghi of Wainwright. A brother-in-law, Robert Karl of New Philadelphia, completes the family. In addition to her parents, Anna was preceded in death by her sister, Gena Karl and brother Louis Comignaghi. Friends are invited to call Monday, March 7 from 2 -4 and 6-8 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where Christian wake services will begin at 8 PM. Monsignor George J. Schlegel will celebrate a funeral mass Tuesday morning at 10:30 in Sacred Heart Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, New Philadelphia. Following the committal service, the ladies of the Sacred Heart Altar Society will host a reception in St. Ambrose Hall, adjacent to the church. Contributions in memory of Anna Decker may be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 1131, Fairfax, VA 22038-1131 or to the American Heart Association, PO Box 163549, Columbus OH 43216-3549.