Tony Michael Ackernecht

1956 - 2020

Tony (Anthony) Michael Ackernecht

On the morning of October 30, Tony (Anthony) Michael Ackernecht passed from this earth at the age of 64, into the presence of God after a valiant fight against pancreatic cancer.

Tony was born to Larry and Shirley Ackernecht on April 3, 1956 in Johnstown, NY. The family moved to San Jose, CA when Tony was four years old and it is here that Tony spent his childhood. Tony was the oldest of five boys. He was born a natural leader and was often the one looked to for advice, mediation or just the calm in the chaos. He was a responsible and dependable son and brother who could always be counted on. Tony was never one to hold still; that combined with his impressive athleticism naturally led him into the world of sports. He wrestled, played baseball and was most proud of his football years at Oak Grove High School. The bonds made on the field during those years turned into lifelong friendships that remained strong until the very end. Tony always enjoyed reminiscing of the glory days playing on the championship teams with his buddies. Tony graduated from Oak Grove High School in 1974. After high school Tony remained in San Jose attending San Jose City college and working. In 1980 he moved on to be closer to his parents and brothers in Redding, CA.

Tony was briefly married in 1982 and as a result had the joy of becoming the proud father of his daughter Lauren, born in 1983 and son Matt, born soon after in 1984.

In 1984 Tony moved to Sparks, NV and began what would be a long and successful career in the petroleum business. He started at Sierra Petroleum where his uncompromising work ethic earned him salesman of the year. He then worked at Raymus Oil in Sacramento before returning to the Redding area to work for Cross Petroleum. From 1990 to 1996 Tony diligently grew himself professionally while working for Cross. In 1996 he made the move over to TBS Petroleum, and when the opportunity of becoming an owner arose , Tony jumped on it. Tony became the managing partner of TBS Petroleum in 1997. He managed his business with all of the drive and tenacity that he applied to all areas of his life. Tony earned many acknowledgments and awards over the years for the growth and production that occurred under his ownership and management. He worked with integrity and never grew complacent in striving to do what was best and what was right for his company. Tony sold TBS Petroleum in 2011.

Behind many great men, there is an equally great woman, and this was the case for Tony. In 1989, Tony met the love of his life, Tamarie. In 1991, they were married and began to build their life together. They loved and supported one another through every up and down that life threw at them. They worked hard and pushed one another in their personal and professional goals and ambitions. Tony and Tammy spent their free time traveling together and logged hundreds of hours skiing at Lake Shasta. Their family was complete when they welcomed their precious baby girl, Jordan, into their lives in 1998. Tony's family continued to grow over the years with the addition of Lauren and Matt's spouses and eventually seven grandchildren. In all that Tony had accomplished and achieved in life, he was most proud of his family. Tony was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather above all else.

Tony worked hard so he could play hard and had many hobbies and interests that he made time for. He was able to take some amazing trips with his family over the years, loved riding his Harley, enjoyed golfing, fishing and hunting, just to name a few of his pastimes. Retirement was not a time to be idle for Tony, but a time to reap the rewards of his years of hard work. He particularly enjoyed spending time at his lake house in Lake Almanor. There he and Tammy created a peaceful haven for themselves and loved hosting their family and friends.

Tony's life was marked with various struggles, particularly with his health. He faced each obstacle and diagnosis head on, without complaint or fear. He was never bitter, didn't hold grudges and when facing the unthinkable, was at peace knowing that he had given his all in this life and would soon find rest and restoration with his Heavenly Father. Tony will be missed beyond measure; his sense of humor, his steadfastness, his ease of being with, and his love for life and for others.

Tony leaves behind his wife of 29 years, Tamarie Ackernecht of Redding, CA, his children Lauren (Dustan) Mueller and Matt (Amanda) Ackernecht of Janesville, CA and Jordan Ackernecht of Redding, CA, his seven grandchildren: Austan and Tenley Mueller and Ashlyn, Taylor, Luke, Vince and Brooke Ackernecht.

Additionally Tony is survived by his parents Larry and Shirley Ackernecht of Redding, CA, brothers Paul (Marzia) Ackernecht of Redding, Larry J. Ackernecht of Redding, Mark (Emy) Ackernecht of Coeur d'Alene, ID, Tom (Tammy) Ackernecht of Redding, CA and many nieces and nephews.

John 16:22 - Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.

Rest in peace Tony, until we meet again.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers a donation can be made in Tony's memory to www.pancan.org to help further research and resources related to pancreatic cancer. Services for family and close friends will be held at 12:00, November 21, at View 202 in Redding, CA.