Gerald (Jerry) LaVerne Acker, 73, of Midland, passed away Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at his residence surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. Jerry was born May 16, 1936, in St. Louis, son of the late Harvey and Dorothy (Longanbach) Acker. Jerry was raised on a farm and it was there he developed a love for being outdoors and working the earth. Jerry attended Midland schools where he met his best friend, soul mate and love of his life, Janice Barnard. In 1953 they married and left Midland to farm with his brother in Addison. They returned to Midland in 1957 and Jerry began a career in excavating working for Fisher Contracting. Two years later, in 1959, he changed employers to Pat's Gradall Service, working for Pat LaMae. Years later in 1975, Jerry purchased Pat's Gradall Service and dutifully managed a successful business and was blessed to meet and make friendships with many wonderful people along the way, retiring in 2005. Over the years Jerry and Janice were able to spend winters in Arizona and travel to many beautiful destinations. Jerry was an avid golfer (with four hole-in-ones to his credit), raised chickens and loved to work in his vegetable garden. He delighted many friends and family with personal deliveries of garden produce, farm-fresh eggs, and a variety of canned and frozen foods. But most of all, Jerry found pleasure in time spent with Janice and their family; he was a dedicated and caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Gerald is survived by his wife, Janice and his five children and spouses, Vickie (Robert) Brown of Midland, Joan (William) Gregg of Irvine, Calif., Donald (Shelly) Acker of Midland, Laura Ridgway of Bay City, and Philip (Cindy) Acker of Midland; nine grandchildren, Molly (Rob) Hart, Katie Brown, Andrew Acker, Paige Acker, Leslie (Jeremy) Hines, Jacob Ridgway, Austin Acker, Cruz Hale, and Chance Hale; seven great-grandchildren; brothers/sisters, Everett (Elaine) Acker, Bonnie (and friend John Rippee) Gregg, Virginia (David) Bartow, Daniel (Marian) Acker, Frank (Nancy) Acker, and Russell (Sally) Acker; sisters-in-law, Joyce Hepinstall, Judith Barnard, Jill (John) Noyes, JoAnne Barnard, and Margorie Acker; brothers-in-law, Rodney (Anne) Barnard, L. Kirk (Leane) Barnard, and B. Dean Barnard; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Gaylord; brothers-in-law, Bryon (Bud) Barnard, Jerry Hepinstall, Leo Gregg; and sister-in-law, Anna Barnard.
Services for Jerry will take place at noon, Saturday, May 8, 2010, from the First United Methodist Church, 315 W. Larkin Street. The Rev. Dr. Brent McCumons will officiate, with private family graveside services in Midland Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at the Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler St. today from 2 - 8 p.m., and at the church on Saturday from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the First United Methodist Church, or MidMichigan Home Care, or Cancer Services.
The family wishes to extend a personal thank you to MidMichigan Home Care; and Jerry's niece, our special "angel," Candy Rogers.
Contributor: Cheryl Speaker (49057279)

Gerald was born on May 16, 1936 and passed away on Wednesday, May 5, 2010.

Gerald was a resident of Midland, Michigan.