Fred Leroy Deckinger, 78, of Falls City, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on June 27, 2026.
Born on July 25, 1947, in Humboldt, Nebraska, Fred was the son of Ralph Deckinger and Delma Fetzner. A true country boy, he grew up on the family farm near Preston and attended country school before transferring to Falls City High School, where he graduated in 1965.
Fred spent many years at Seid Implement hauling machinery and painting tractors. He later worked several years in the auto body shop at Armbruster Motor Company. In September 1985, he purchased a lot on the south end of Falls City and opened Deckinger’s Body Shop. He spent the next 38 years restoring tractors, repairing vehicles, and visiting with anyone who stopped by. The shop became a gathering place for friends, neighbors and family. Plenty of people stopped in just to see what Fred was up to and visit for awhile.
Outside of the shop, Fred proudly served nine years in the Nebraska National Guard and was a longtime member of the American Legion Honor Guard. He was an active member of Elks Lodge No. 963, where he was named Elk of the Year in 2003, and was also a member of the Falls City Jaycees. In 2018, he and his wife, Gracie, were honored with the Jaycees Good Neighbor Award. Fred was a faithful member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.
Fred married Gracie (Schawang) on September 14, 1968, and together they shared 57 years of marriage. Through the years, they enjoyed attending football, basketball and volleyball games, taking Sunday road trips and dancing to their favorite local band, Partners N Crime.
Fred truly didn’t know a stranger. He was known for his jokes, his laugh and his ability to strike up a conversation with just about anyone.
He spent hundreds of hours cheering on the Irish and once attended a Sacred Heart State Tournament game the day after being released from the hospital. He loved John Deere tractors, cold iced tea and spending time in his “Man Cave” with his beloved dog, Rosie.
One of Fred’s favorite titles was “Grandpa.” If you talked to him for more than five minutes, chances were he’d tell you what one of his grandkids was up to. He was proud of every one of them and loved watching them grow into adulthood.
Fred was a friend to many, and a stranger to none. His stories, laughter and generosity will be remembered by all who knew him.
Fred is survived by his wife, Gracie; his children, Steve Deckinger, Christi Marx (Pat), and Julie Berten (Cody); his grandchildren, Eric Marx, Jordan Marx, Molly Roe (Mike), Preston Deckinger (Biyonka), Regan Deckinger, Saylor Hutfles, and Hudsyn Hutfles; his great-grandchildren, Dante Deckinger and Treyden Marx; his sister, Shirley Bradley; his brothers, Lanny Deckinger, Harlan Deckinger (Susan), and Curtis Deckinger (Teresa); his brothers- and sisters-in-law; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, nephew, Isaac Deckinger and his in-laws, Paul and Bettie Schawang.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Father Meysenburg as the presiding priest. Inurnment will be in Falls City Catholic Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Thursday from 7-8:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.
No viewing, friends may sign the guest registry at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home during regular business hours.
