Judith Ann Decker

Judith Ann Decker, long time resident of Stockton, Illinois passed away on July 12, 2025 at the age of 81. Judy was a loving and cherished friend, devout Christian, dedicated community member, supportive colleague and family member to many.

Judy was born on September 14, 1943 in LaMars, Iowa, daughter of Dr. Lyle Rachuy and Viola (Stratmann ) Rachuy, whom proceeded her in death. She attended school in Stockton for both grade school and high school, graduating with honors. Judy started her education at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL studying instrumental music for two years. She pivoted to her love for math, graduating with a Batchlor of Arts in Mathematics, from University of Dubuque, Dubuque, Iowa. She furthered her education obtaining a Master of Science in Statistics, University of Iowa and a Master of Science in Teaching of Computer Science, at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL. Judy was an early pioneer in the field of Computer Science, paving the way for her future students and a role model for the advancement of women in the field. While at the University of Illinois a class of hers was a first class where the professor used an early form of the internet to access student assignments for grading while he was on a European trip.

Judy was a tech whiz on computer software in her dad’s medical office and medical offices in Freeport. Those early days involved coding at a binary code level of 0s and 1s, a puzzle of fun for a mathematician. Upon graduation from University of Iowa Judy taught Mathematics at the University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE. Her talents move to a Manhattan New York City high rise, working for MetLife putting her statistics skills to work in actuarial science. The Illinois Midwest spirit came calling and a move to Chicago, IL was next with a suburban commute to McHenry County College, Crystal Lake, Illinois where she taught Mathematics.

She then returned to her hometown of Stockton choosing country life and continued her teaching career at Clarke College, Dubuque Iowa, where she was a valued member of the Computer Science department for over 20 years. She helped found the Computers in Education Master Program, was instrumental in designing the Computer Information System major, and partnered with John Deere in Dubuque to develop a student internship program. Judy’s students appreciated her expertise and insight into both the theoretical and practical uses for computing. Her colleagues valued her friendship, advice, and professionalism.

Judy was a lover of music, both classical music of the great masters and rock, especially Elvis and the Rolling Stones, which she saw many times in concert. She volunteered as a skilled pianist and organist at Westley Methodist Church where she was a member for over 60 years, creating sonic sunshine that blessed the congregation. She also supported the church as the finance manager and choir director. She was legendary for sending birthday cards to her nieces and nephews, each one perfectly timed, that made them feel special. Judy was a lover of dogs, particularly Boston Terriers, and was preceded in death, among others by Pokey 1, Pokey 2, Buster, Lillie, Abe and Bertha.

Judy is survived by her brother James (Rickie) Rachuy of Stockton. Also, many family and friends to whom she cherished. Including, her former husband and close friend, John Decker, Rachuy, Stratmann and Decker relatives and friends, including Arla Engelkes, Rushmore, MN, Kenneth (Carol) Groenewold, Worthington, MN, Carol Bonjour, Freeport, IL, Jana (David) Caulk, Rockford, IL, Susan (Scott) Leverton, McConnell, Rodger (Linda) Morning, TN, Bruce (Sandi) Swanson, Rockford, Ronald “Ronnie” (Kathy) Moring, Lena, Sue Gerloff, Winslow, Don Schmitt, Holy Cross, IA, Larry and Trudy Decker of Sherrill, IA, Kathy Koch, Farley, IA, Ann and Andy Baumann, Dubuque, IA.

In following Judy’s wishes memorial services are private.

Sincere gratitude is expressed to Dr. Terry Miller, the staff at Parkview Homes, Freeport, and FHN hospital for medical support and compassion provided.