Rebecca Visser

Becky passed peacefully Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at Hospice of NWO in Perrysburg, Ohio surrounded by love and blessings from family and friends. Born on July 13, 1949, to Kenneth J. Deck, Sr. and Gladys Rew Deck. Becky was a proud graduate of Bowsher High School and a life-long scholar of history.

Becky married Ron in 1970, and was able to stay home to raise her boys, Brian and Shawn. Once they were off doing their own thing, Becky was able to focus on her long-time passion of history which she shared with her grandson, Oliver and nephew, Kevin Deck. When a historical topic caught her attention, Becky became an enthusiastic student turned teacher anxious to share her knowledge. She believed the necessity of understanding the past in order to move successfully towards the future. Becky’s passion for history led to the accurate documentation of historical significance up and down the banks of her beloved Maumee River.

Becky’s love of Perrysburg and its rich history was endless!!! Involved in the Chamber of Commerce helping to create the Visitors Bureau; an active member of the Historic Perrysburg, serving as president and treasurer; and accurately recording past events. During her tenure, Becky spearheaded historical scavenger hunts, home tours, ‘teas’ and lectures featuring historical significance not only to Perrysburg, but also the greater Toledo area. Becky’s historical Teas included ‘Vintage Visions of Lace and Lavender’ featuring antique wedding gowns; guest speakers “Elenore Roosevelt” and her favorite guest, “Molly Brown” on the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. One of Becky’s favorite lectures was the Edmond Fitzgerald on the 30th anniversary at the Way Public Library hosting the divers who retrieved the bell from the ship. She received numerous honors from local Ohio counties for the accuracy of her historical research. The reward for Becky was presenting accurate information to those around her.

Becky turned her focus towards Toledo and found her inspiration in two cemeteries, Woodlawn and Forest, Toledo’s oldest, and often forgotten cemetery. Becky’s love for genealogy allowed her to immerse herself gathering stories about individuals buried in these cemeteries. She would say with an excited sparkle “did you know…” and pass on what she had just ‘dug up’. Becky always said she “loved digging up dead people”.

At the request of Woodlawn Cemetery, Becky, with her friend Renee Jayne (co-chair of the Molly Brown Tea), authored the informative Images of America: Toledo’s Woodlawn Cemetery. In 2019, Becky and Gary Franks co-wrote and self-published Toledo’s Forest Cemetery, where they properly recognized the first Toledo mayor, police chief and fire chief in their final resting places.

Becky was a Trustee of the Toledo History Museum from 2014-2017, and received the Community Service Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in 2012. She was also a member of the Toledo Metropolitan Ladies Club and the New Century Club in Perrysburg. Becky’s passion for history shined through and she compiled the Commodore’s scrap book along with documentation of the early years of the Perrysburg Boat Club.

Becky and her husband Ron, loved spending time on the Maumee River with family and long-time friends at the Perrysburg Boat Club. She cherished the antics with the “Triple D’s” (Dining, Divas & Dudes), meals of ‘must go’, ‘junking’, and ‘field trips’ to various cemeteries around the area. Becky is the ultimate events coordinator, always orchestrating events with a much deeper hidden meaning than originally stated.

Becky’s greatest legacy is the family she created with Ron as we were her “entire world.” Becky and Ron spent the last few years on many boating adventures, bird watching, traveling with grandchildren and friends, and spending time at their condo in Marblehead, Ohio. Becky was a remarkable woman who will be deeply missed by Ron, her family, friends, and community. Lover of family, history and humor.

Becky is survived by her loving husband, Ron; sons Brian (Julie) and Shawn (Laurie); grandchildren Oliver, Teaghan, Marah; and sister Elaine (Clyde) Tressler. Preceded in death by her parents and brother, Kenneth J. (Kathy) Deck Jr.

Friends and family will be received Thursday, September 22, 2022 from 4-7p.m. at Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary Street, Perrysburg (419-874-3133). A Memorial service will be held, Friday, September 23, 2022 at 10 am at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church of Perrysburg. Burial will be private. Donations in honor of Becky Visser may be made to…‘Friends of Forest Cemetery’ via Toledo History Museum 425 N St Clair St, Toledo, Oh 43460 or St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church of Perrysburg. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.