Obituary

Mark Alan Decker, 60, of Burnsville, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on September 7th, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on July 12th, 1966, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Mark was the beloved son of Duane and Linda Decker (Warren). He graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School in 1984. He graduated from Drake University summa cum laude in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree from the college of pharmacy. During his time at Drake, he was a member of the Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity. Following his graduation, he married his soulmate and the love of his life Jill Leith on August 6th, 1988. He then went on to get his master’s degree in pharmacokinetics from the University of Minnesota in 1994. He has been a pharmacist for Allina Community Pharmacy (previously Snyder Drug) in Apple Valley, Minnesota, for the past thirty-three years. He was so loved and personally connected with his patients and coworkers. He had a special gift for welcoming people into his heart and making them feel like they always belonged there.

Mark will be forever remembered as a loving son, husband and father as well as an undyingly loyal friend to many. He was intelligent and accomplished, but he also never took himself too seriously. He possessed a quick wit, a goofy sense of humor, and the ability to make any ordinary gathering memorable. He loved traveling the world, sports, music, fantasy football, lively conversations about politics, sharing a drink and making the people around him laugh. He never missed an opportunity to crack a joke at anyone, but those closest to him knew that it was all done out of pure love. His warmth and personality made him someone people naturally wanted to be near.

Above all, Mark taught those around him what it meant to be a good man; to show up, remain loyal, care for the people you love, and make room for others at the table. His legacy will continue through his family and everyone fortunate enough to have called him son, husband, father, brother, uncle, nephew, colleague, or friend. The lessons and love he gave us all will be carried forward and passed on for generations.

Mark is survived by his mother, Linda; wife Jill; children Hans (Amber), Stefan (Laura), Maren (Alec), and Kersten (Alex); brother Craig (Nancy) and their children Hannah, Morgan, and Jake; sister Julie (Nate) and their children Emma, Calvin, and Eva; and grandchildren Annika, Frederick and Lucille.

He is preceded in death by his father, Duane (Bud) Decker; his grandparents Edwin and Dorothy Warren, and Dale and Donna Decker.

Visitation will be held at Washburn McReavy Funeral Home in Edina, Minnesota on Wednesday, September 16th from 4-7 PM. Funeral service will be held at Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina, Minnesota on Thursday, September 17th at 11 AM. A private family burial will be held at North Lawn Cemetery in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on Saturday, September 19th.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mark’s memory may be designated to neuroendocrine tumor research at Mayo Clinic. Mark participated in research studies and experimental treatment at Mayo. His participation will benefit future cancer patients. Donations may be made online at Mayo Clinic’s giving page by selecting “Make This Gift a Tribute” and entering “Mark Alan Decker”. Or they can be mailed to:

Department of Development
Mayo Clinic
200 First Street SW
Rochester, MN 55905