Kathleen Ann Acker

Kathleen Ann Acker, 71, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family in Sylvan Township, on Saturday, January 3, 2026. She was born June 16, 1954, in Minneapolis, MN, the daughter of Clarence and Janet (Linehan) McGrath. She married Charles J. Acker in Elko, Nevada, on October 16, 2000.

Before settling down in Sylvan Township, she saw much of the USA with stops in Arizona, Colorado, Washington State, and North Carolina.

Then it was on to the La Farge area for 15 years where Sara Was born and raised among many friends. Also, many neighbors as her, Steve and Sara moved often throughout the vast driftless region.

For the next 30+ years, she engaged in numerous activities in the home she loved. Standing out were her house plants, which included many flowering plants and cati. There was no shortage of oxygen in any of the rooms that were full of plants. Green everywhere. Her one-acre yard was no exception. Colorful annuals blooming all summer long that followed spring bulbs, tubers, and ferns. Any blank spaces were filled with schrub's and hostas.

When the day was done, it was into the kitchen. Meal after meal with no cookbook in sight. Leftovers for days to come.

Chuck could hardly get a steak in sideways, but when he did, lots of sides appeared, including her famous potato and macaroni salads.

Other hobbies included a large collection of cobalt blue glassware and vases. And of course, shopping, a habit she picked up from her dear mother. Shoes and boots her favorite along with turquoise and southwestern jewelry.

She was dearly loved, will always be remembered, and sincerely missed by many.

Survivors include her husband, Chuck Acker of Richland Center; 2 daughters, Sara Kruser of Utah and Deambra Plumlee of Richland Center; a grandson, Deakyn Heisz; a brother, Bill (Karen) McGrath of Chicago, IL; niece, Casey (Declyn) Lynch of Chicago, IL; great nieces, Gigi and Ellie Lynch; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and Steve McCarty (Sara's father).

A Celebration of Kathleen's Life will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home in Richland Center, WI. A special thank you to Agrace Hospicecare, Dr. Wilson, Emplify Infusion & Staff in Viroqua. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Agrace Hospicecare in Fitchburg.

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