MARENISCO, Mich. – Thomas Richard "Dick" DeCota, 83, a resident of Marenisco for 35 years, formerly of Macon, Ill., and New Orleans, passed away peacefully Thursday afternoon, July 7, 2016. His loving wife, Joan, was at his side.

Dick was born on March 24, 1933, in Decatur, Ill., a son of August Thomas and Marguerite Belle (Nanna) DeCota. He attended Decatur High School and graduated in 1951.

Dick proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee with the MCB-10 on the Island of Guam. He was honorably discharged on Feb. 10, 1956, and received the National Defense Medal.

Dick was employed for many years by the Illinois Power Company in Decatur and by Metairie Ford in Metairie, La. He also was a real estate agent for Century 21 in Ironwood.

When Dick and his wife made their home in Marenisco, he was the proprietor of DeCota's This 'n' That bait and tackle shop at the junction of U.S. Highway 2 and M-64.

Dick was an avid outdoorsman, fisherman and hunter. He especially enjoyed playing golf and was in several Northwoods pool leagues.

In retirement years, Dick and Joan took pleasure in traveling and spent many winters camping in Cedar Key, Fla.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Joan Brennan DeCota; a son, Douglas (Laura) DeCota from a marriage to Connie Jones Phelps; a brother, Robert (Janet) DeCota; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Virginia Brady Massey and her husband, Henry.

A celebration of Dick's life will be held Wednesday, July 20, at 11 a.m., preceded by memorial visitation and the honor guard in attendance at 10:30 a.m., at the Marenisco Town Hall. The Rev. Raymond F. Moncher will officiate.

Following the service, military rites will take place at the town hall under the auspices of Marenisco American Legion Post 523, Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard.

Lunch will be served at the town hall following the military honors.

The DeCota family wishes to acknowledge and thank profoundly the wonderful doctors and staff at Aspirus Grand View Hospital, Ironwood, Howard Young Medical Center, Woodruff, Wis., and Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Wausau, Wis., the Davita Dialysis, Woodruff, Beacon Ambulance and Marenisco Township Volunteer Ambulance Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dick's memory to the Marenisco Township Volunteer Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 198, Marenisco, MI 49947.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner-manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.