Rev. Arthur Anacker

1930 - 2025

Rev. Arthur Anacker

March 19, 1930 - July 2, 2025

In Loving Memory of Rev. Arthur Anacker.

It is with deep sorrow and enduring faith in the resurrection, that we announce the passing of Rev. Arthur Anacker age 95. He was called to his heavenly home on July 2, 2025, at his home near Portage Wis. Arthur was born in the same home to Ernest and Emma (Schwantz) Anacker on March 19, 1930. He married Shirley Brickwell on May 15, 1954 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Portage Wis.

Arthur was raised on the family farm, where he learned the values of hard work, stewardship, and humility-lessons that would later shape his ministry. For many years, he worked the land with care and conviction, seeing in every sunrise and harvest a reflection of God's provision. When Arthur was 26 he heard a new calling-this time, not from the fields, but from the Lord. Trusting in God's guidance, he left the farm behind to attend Concordia Seminary in Springfield Ill. He graduated in 1962 and was ordained at his first church, St Paul's, Alta, Iowa, where he served for four years. He was then called to St. Paul's and St. John's in Ireton, Iowa where he faithfully served for almost 10 years. The Lord called him back to his home state of Wisconsin where he served St. Thomas in Waldo and Trinity in Town Wilson near Sheboygan Wis. He retired from those churches in 1995 after 20 years of service but continued his ministry helping at St John's in Portage and as a fill in pastor for surrounding churches for almost 25 years. Throughout his ministry he provided a wonderful example of what a country pastor should be. He cared for those around him with great compassion, patience and love. He served tirelessly in his churches and throughout his community as a hospital chaplain, a founding board member for Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School, and for many area charities. A devoted husband, father and grandfather he was an inspiration to his whole family.

Survivors include his children, Gary (Deb) Anacker, Amy (Al) Hartman, Jim (Beth) Anacker, Julie Reseburg, Marie (Jay) Kroll, Laura (Kurt) Weber, Joel (Kim) Anacker; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Shirley; parents, Ernest and Emma Anacker; his sister, Lorraine Ellils; his brother, Ronald Anacker; his son-in-law, Jeff Reseburg; and granddaughter, Gretchen Reseburg.

A visitation was held on Sunday July 6th between 5 to 7 p.m. at Kratz Funeral Home Portage. Funeral services were held at St. John's Lutheran Church in Portage at 11 a.m. on Monday July 7th and visitation between 10 to 10:45 a.m., prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to St. John's Lutheran Church and School in Arthur's memory