The son of Alfred and Roslyn Decker, Jerry was born Oct. 17, 1933, in Alliance, Nebraska. He attended McCook Community College, Kearney State College and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earning a doctorate in education. Jerry spent three years with the Nebraska Department of Education and over 34 years in elementary education, including 21 years with the Lincoln Public Schools. In 1992, he was honored as the National Distinguished Elementary Principal of the Year of the State of Nebraska.
Jerry was united in marriage with Mary Phillipson in 1954. After his service in the United States Air Force, they made their home in Nebraska. He was involved in many civic and professional organizations, taking both support and leadership roles. In Lincoln, Jerry was known as the Teddy Bear Principal - with his office filled with stuffed teddy bears.
Surviving are his wife, Mary Decker of Lincoln; son, Mike and Brenda Decker of Lincoln; daughter, Carol and Bill Weaver of Geneva; granddaughters, Tricia Crary-Adkins (Tim), Melanie Hughes, Ann Wynegar (Justan) and Amy Bennett (Justin); grandsons, Jason Decker (Alysha) and Jim Weaver (JC), and 15 great grandchildren. Also surviving are his sister, Jean Decker; nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother, and three brothers.