Kristen Decker Obituary

Kristen Rieger Decker
January 26, 1963 - June 7, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Kristen Rieger Decker on June 7, 2025, after an 18-month battle with Glioblastoma. She passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family and close friends.
Kristen was born on January 26, 1963 to Gordon James Rieger and Phyllis Aabling Rieger, the youngest of five children. As the daughter of a career military officer affectionately known as "the Colonel" - Kristen spent her early years moving throughout the U.S before the family settled in California following her father's retirement from the Army.
She graduated from Novato High School and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree from Sonoma State University, where she later taught accounting. She also earned a Master's Degree from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. A dedicated and accomplished professional, Kristen was a Certified Public Accountant who devoted over 40 years of her life to a successful career in financial services. Her work ethic, intelligence, and integrity earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and clients alike. She inspired deep loyalty from her employees, many of whom followed her from one venture to the next across decades.
Kristen was a force of nature - a true renaissance women. She had a lust for life, loved a challenge and could accomplish anything she put her mind to. She jumped out of airplanes, drove race cars and thrived in activities like running, biking, swimming, skiing, hiking, dancing, and gardening.
She was also a lifelong lover of travel. Kristen found immense joy in exploring new places and cultures, often sharing her adventures with her beloved family and close friends. Whether near or far, her journeys were filled with laughter, connection, and cherished memories.
To all who knew her, Kristen was a beacon of warmth, generosity, and joy. Her big smile, infectious laugh, and happy spirit could light up any room. Her presence brought comfort, strength, and love to those around her, and her absence will be deeply felt.
Kristen is survived by her husband, Paul Decker; her son, Dustin Decker; her brother, Larry Rieger; her sisters, Lisa Jones and Lynne Rieger, her half-sister Phyllis Schlossberg, her niece Barbi Whitbeck, her many cousins, nieces, nephews, and "grauntchildren", and her soul sisters Kristi Zurauskas and Janell Harkin. She is preceded in death by her brother Gordon Rieger and her half-brother William Rieger.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Valley Memorial Park in Novato, California. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Glioblastoma Foundation; glioblastomafoundation.org, in Kristen's honor.