Tory Christopher Decker

Tory Christopher Decker, age 46, passed away November 12th, 2023 in Rice, MN. A memorial service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield on Thursday, November 30th, 2023 at 1pm with a visitation from 11am to 1pm. A reception lunch will follow the service. 

Tory was born to Diane and Terry Decker on June 11th, 1977 in Cross Lake, MN. He graduated from Litchfield High school, class of 1995, where he met his future wife, Nicole. 

Tory enlisted in the Marines out of high school with his brother, Jeremy. Serving from 1995 to 1999 as an Aviation Ordinance Technician, he attained the rank of Corporal. Tory loved his country and was proud of his service. After serving, he attended Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he earned his degree in Computer Science. Most recently, he worked as a Senior Software Engineer for Turnberry Solutions. Tory worked in software for over 20 years.

Nicole and Tory were joined in marriage on June 2nd, 2001 at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. In 2005, they welcomed their daughter Alexis. In 2009, their son, Aiden, was born. Tory’s family was his greatest joy, and his children his greatest achievement. He loved watching them play their sports – Alexis in dance and Aiden in hockey. Alexis danced since she was 3 years old and Tory took his role as dance dad very seriously. Alexis could always tell her dad was in the crowd by hearing him whistle and cheering the loudest to lead the crowd. For Aiden, Tory was a devoted hockey dad and was there to tighten skates, take on any job assigned, and again was always cheering the loudest in the crowd. 

Tory loved to cook for his family. He was a grill master and believed everything was better with bacon! He enjoyed boating and fishing with Aiden, hunting (that means watching the deer and even building elaborate deer stands to watch), and going to his father-in-law’s shop. Tory loved cars and music. He played guitar for fun and above all else loved spending time with his family. 

One of the best family memories was his second trip to Maui in 2019, the first trip being his honeymoon with Nicole. The trip was beautiful and despite that Tory didn’t love traveling, he still did it to bring smiles to his wife and children. Every single morning on the island, he would wake up and play “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles. He would play the song in the Jeep as they drove around the island. Looking back, this song brings great memories of his warm smile, hearty laugh, and more than anything his devotion to his family. 

Tory was a hard worker, dedicated and focused on any project he took on. He loved God and trusted Jesus Christ for guidance. 

Tory is survived by his devoted wife, Nicole; children Alexis and Aiden; siblings Teresa (Darren), Shannon (Matt), Tanya (Alex), and Jeremy (Amy); brother-in-law Nathan; parents Diane Jackson and Terry Decker; mother and father-in-law Carol and Larry Piepenburg; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Rollan and Thelma Decker, and Geraldine and Glen Jackson, and grandparent-in-laws Herman and Esther Ulrich. 

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the family. Blessed be his memory.