JANET DECORA
JANET DECORA
Janet Jean (Hocakinga, Ho-Chunk Woman) Decora passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in La Crosse. She was born Feb. 9, 1953, in Winnebago, NE, to Jim Decora and Marceline (Crow) Gilbertson.
She was married Nov. 1, 1973, to Gary Muir Sr. Together, they raised nine children and made their home in Black River Falls. They later divorced. In addition to being a wife and homemaker, she also worked as an executive secretary and as a bus driver.
Janet took care of children for her entire adult life. She took care of over 30-plus children over the years. She loved to play sports, especially softball and bowling. She also enjoyed horseback riding, going on motorcycle rides, and playing Bingo.
Janet loved to spend time with her family and enjoyed trips and watching her grandchildren’s activities. She also loved to go camping and fishing with her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Janet is survived by her children, Chandra (Greg) Ekern, Stacy (Bryan) Byerlay, Lance (Melinda) Muir Sr., Ariana Cloud, Christian Cloud, Joanna Hill Roybal, and James Hill; grandchildren, Adam Decorah, Skylar (Zachary) Whitegull, Jonas (Jessica) Whitegull, Destiny (Nathan) Muir, Lance Muir Jr., Alijas Whitegull, Lanie Byerlay, Christopher Muir, Jack Byerlay, Josiah Patterson, Jameson Patterson, Jr, Marcus Sylvester, Hazel Patterson, Liam Hoover, Gemma and Samiyah Newberry; great-grandchildren, Aamina, Aamond, Navaya, Brooklyn, Lola, Ezra, Arthur, Bearen, and Clayton. Siblings, Daryl (Jeep) DeCora and Marilyn DeCora; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son Gary Muir Jr.; daughter Jacinda Muir; great-granddaughter, Aarowyn Williams; brother Clayton Decora; and former husband, Gary Muir Sr.
A visitation was held from 2-4 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2026, at Buswell Funeral Home in Black River Falls. Services continued at the D1 Community Center starting at 6 pm. Visitation l continued at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 20, at the D1 Community Center with funeral services held at 12 p.m. Burial followed at Decorah Cemetery in Komensky Township. Pallbearers were Derek Youngthunder Sr., Judea Youngthunder, Damion Whitegull Sr., Neil Whitegull, Zachary Paulson, and Nathan Bird. Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls is assisting the family with arrangements.