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Because of his commitment to education, Deck, 78, was inducted as one of the six charter members of Onalaska High School’s Wall of Excellence in Education last weekend.
“That was a surprise,” Deck said. “There are a lot of good people coming out of Onalaska. I feel honored and humbled.”
Deck was the Onalaska school superintendent from 1972 to 1992, when he retired after 37 years in education.
Early advice helped him be successful. “I had a professor at university tell me ‘where are you going to be in 20 years? Whatever job you’re in, look ahead. Don’t get lost in the minor details, look at the big picture.’”
Deck strived to do that during his tenure at Onalaska.
“Onalaska was in the doldrums in those years,” Deck said. “Kids were being taught in church basements. They needed someone to come in and get the district on a path for growth.”
Northern Hills Elementary was being built at the time he was hired. He told the board that if he was hired, he would make it an open-concept school.
But no one knew what that was or had any idea how to run it. Deck had experienced that type of educational system while in Colorado. He said he was lucky to find a principal familiar with that format and brought him into the district. “We managed to pull off that change,” Deck said proudly.
He always looked forward. Seeing the growth of the city, Deck worked with the board and the community to buy land for the projected enrollment growth. He was most interested that students grow academically as well as personally. “I came in and said we’re going to increase academic abilities. I think we did that.”
Nevertheless, extracurricular activities were important, he said. “I always stuck up for the music and art programs. It’s an integral part of the curriculum. It’s a great time for kids to learn what skills and interests they have. It’s just as important to keep up with extracurricular activities as with academics.”
Deck doesn’t think much of the No Child Left Behind Act, which was enacted after he retired. “There are good concepts there, but not enough money followed,” he said. “However, I think if you let seed money go to school districts, there are enough good minds in each district that can do good jobs without big government. Education is a state function and the feds should not be involved.”
He’s not too involved in education now. He and his wife are enjoying their retirement years. “We enjoy traveling. We’ve been overseas back and forth to Europe and around the U.S. We’re keeping up with the kids. Coleen and I enjoy our exercise at the Y; we enjoy dancing and antiquing.”
Coleen started the Antique Center in La Crosse on Third Street. She was one of seven corporate members. After he retired, he went to work for her at the Antique Center for about eight to 10 years he said. “It was payback time for me,” Deck said.
In the early days, Coleen worked as a registered nurse and raised their four daughters while he furthered his education.
In addition to his family, the Onalaska American Legion is part of his support system as he fulfills his community service goals. He serves as honor bearer and as unordained chaplain. He is also quartermaster, ordering flags and uniforms for the post and takes inventory of the contents of the buildings.
“Service is my goal — to serve the community I am in,” said Deck, a decorated Korean War Veteran.
Jo Anne Killeen is a reporter for the Onalaska Holmen Courier-Life.
