Harold M. Acker

Harold Matthew Acker, age 92, passed away, peacefully in his sleep, at Embassy Rehabilitation and Care Center, in Sergeant Bluff, IA on the morning of January 12, 2025. He had been struggling with Parkinson’s Disease for many years.

Harold was the 5th of 16 children born, to Frank Acker and Tharscilla Littel, in Murdock, Minn., on February 9, 1932. He attended public school to the 8th grade, earned a G.E.D. in 1970 and completed an Associates degree in General Accounting, from Nettleton Business College, in March 1971. He married Sheila Lucille O’Donnell on January 5, 1952 and they went on to raise 8 children, including: Kenneth Francis (Michaeline) Acker, Tony Mark Acker (husband, Dave Meyer), Donald Michael (Kim) Acker, Maureen Ann Acker (Jack) Sumner, Carolynn (Lynn) Lucille Acker (Victor) Gonzalez, Rita Marie Acker Hoy (significant other, Kirk Wilson), Dr. Denise Agnes Acker (Dave) Marandola, Lois Jean Acker Holmes. They lived in Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota, for most of their marriage, as well as a short time in Arizona and Washington state. Harold and Sheila are remembered by 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Harold and Sheila practiced the Catholic faith in the raising of their children. While Harold was somewhat of a “Jack of all Trades”, from creating a metal cast of the original “Bozo the Clown” from which children’s toys were manufactured, to working on and selling commercial Scales for Toledo Scale Co. (13 years), sales and service of heavy equipment (forklifts) with Missouri Valley Machine Co., to eventually starting his own business, PHD Equipment. He was awarded the J.C. Gold Key Award in Mankato, MN in 1964, and served on their board for two years.

Harold enjoyed all kinds of outdoor activities. Growing up on the family farm gave him great appreciation for nature, wildlife and the pride of hard work and physical activity. He was an extremely good card player, particularly of: 500, Cribbage, Rook, Euchre, etc… and he never lost his capability, only his ability to see the cards with ease. However, despite the vision issues, he could still beat almost anyone in Dominoes, as well. In his younger years, he enjoyed, hunting (though he didn’t like shooting wildlife as much as watching them), boating, camping, and fishing.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Sheila (2008), his son, Kenneth (2006), his parents and 12 siblings. Harold will be cremated and a Memorial/Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 12:00 p.m., with lunch to follow, at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel, 6200 Morningside Ave., Sioux City, IA.