Roger Lee Acker

ACKER, Roger Lee – Passed away at Maple Woods Manor in Clio, MI on May 6, 2025, at the age of 85, after battling cancer. Roger was born on July 31, 1939, to the late Lawrence and Ruth Acker of Birch Run, MI. He was raised between Birch Run and Clio and spent his youth working on family farms. As a young man, he tried his hand at many jobs, including working at the local grain elevator, roofing, farming, hardwood flooring, trenching, and other odd jobs. Though he had many occupations throughout his life, he primarily worked as a truck driver, both over the road and locally, spending many years seeing the country through the windshield of an 18-wheeler. During this time, Roger met Norma and swiftly fell in love. They were married on August 1, 1981, at the house they shared in Birch Run. They were able to bring a blended family together and create a beautiful life. When Roger finally retired from the Teamsters in 1986, he opened his own trucking business: RA Trucking. When Roger wasn't driving, his favorite pastime was working in his shop and bringing pieces together to make something useful and unique. Although Roger only completed his 8th grade education, his knowledge and mechanical ability was unmatched. Roger was able to build multiple tractors with only the vision in his head and a bunch of spart parts. He was always the guy to call when something needed to be fixed, or you needed to get a motor running. Roger was an avid collector of antiques, including classic cars, tractors, washing machines, amongst a variety of other things. His love for antique tractors was a driving force behind his charitable work. Doing this work allowed him to create many close and lasting friendships. He spent many years as the president of Mid-Michigan Antique Machinery Association in Clio, MI and served as the co-chairman of the steam barn at Mid-Michigan Old Gas Tractor Association in Oakley, MI until his death. In his later years, his closest friendships were made with his "Steam Barn Crew". Here he worked frequently with his close friend Steve Oszust and grandson Brent Hamilton. Roger's workshop was his favorite place to be, but when the weather got cold, he and Norma were Arizona bound. Together, they spent their winter months enjoying the sun and warmth of Quartzite, AZ for over 25 years. They enjoyed the friendships that were made with ATV/UTV rides, playing poker, coffee club, and friendly gatherings. Roger was able to spend his last winter enjoying his winter home. In later years, Roger focused on spending time with his friends and family. As he slowed down in his barn, he would be found in his chair, watching western movies to pass the time. Roger was a wealth of knowledge and helped teach others along the way.
Roger is survived by his loving wife, Norma Jean (Shaw) Acker of Birch Run, MI, daughter Patricia Bolf of Bridgeport, MI, son: Michael (Cherie) Acker of Kingston, MI, stepchildren Jeanne Haley of Saginaw, MI, Diana (John) Raquepaw of Birch Run, MI, Richard (Robin) Massey of Bridgeport, MI, Laurie Hamilton of Birch Run, MI, 16 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, brother Dennis(Marlene) Acker of Clio, MI, sister-in-law Judy Acker of Texas, brother-in-law Dale Congdon of Clio, MI, numerous nieces & nephews. Roger was preceded in death by parents Lawrence & Ruth (Falkenhagen) Acker, daughter Susan Acker, stepdaughter Deborah (Massey) Dexter, son-in-law Todd Hamilton, grandsons: Craig Bolf & Daniel Draper, brother Bruce Acker, sister Audrey Congdon.
Honoring Roger's wishes, there will be no services at this time. A celebration of Roger's life will be scheduled at a later date. The family would like to thank everyone for their love and support at this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation on Roger's behalf to Mid-Michigan Old Gas Tractor Association at 17180 Ferden Rd. Oakley, MI 48649.