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Janice Muriel Acker
Born: 11/23/1938
Died: 5/13/2026
Age: 87
Community: Midland, MI
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Janice Muriel Acker passed away with the love of family surrounding her on May 13, 2026. Janice was born November 23, 1938 in Midland, Michigan, daughter of William and Audrey (Anderson) Barnard. She met Jerry Acker early in her life and they married on July 18, 1953. They were best friends and soul mates. During their 57 years of marriage, they raised five children. They purchased and operated a successful business; Pat’s Gradall Service. Their hard work, bond and commitment to each other and family was phenomenal.
Jan’s family was her pride and joy. From her children to great-great grandchild, siblings, in-laws and beyond, she cherished time with them all whether it was a large gathering or a one-on-one. She was always interested in how your life was going and was proud of your accomplishments. She wasn’t a lady to hide her feelings and beliefs and could be a bit outspoken, but she also was not shy to let you know she loved you. Even her children’s family dogs felt the love when Grandma Jan visited and shared her special belly rubs, ear scratches and snuggles.
When Jan and Jerry became empty nesters, they enjoyed traveling. They traveled to Hawaii, Alaska, Africa, Europe, Singapore and enjoyed cruises. They wintered in Arizona where they created great great friendships while enjoying the beauty of Arizona, which Jan loved. These adventures blessed the two of them with joy and memories for a lifetime.
Jan loved music of all kinds from Christian to Country to Golden Oldies. She sang with devotion at church and with simple pleasure at other times. She knew countless songs that would make her heart happy and her feet dance. Weekend dance nights were something to look forward to. If she was on the dance floor you knew she was happy. She also had a group of girlfriends who were dear to her heart and they enjoyed countless hours of playing cards and mahjong. She was always “in” when it came to a board game or cards.
Lastly, if you knew Jan well, you know she loved her Starbucks coffee each and every day and sometimes twice a day. She enjoyed not only her special decaf pour-over but the staff and all the friends she met who joined her for coffee over the years.
In her later years, when Jan was still driving, her license plate was in a frame that said “Live, Love, Dance”. These words fit her perfectly! May you too always Live, Love, Dance and Laugh!
Jan is survived by her five children, Vickie (Robert) Brown of Midland, Joan (John D’Amico) Gregg of LaQuinta, CA, Donald (Shelly) Acker of Freeland, Laura (Jeff) Taylor of Bay City, and Philip (Cindy) Acker of Midland; nine grandchildren, Molly (Rob) Hart, Katie
(Brian Tuell) Brown, Andrew (Rachel)Acker, Paige (Kevin) Bouchey, Leslie (Jeremy) Hines, Jacob (Ali) Ridgway, Austin (Ally) Acker, Cruz (Jenn) Hale, and Chance (Taylor) Hale; fourteen great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; sisters Judith Barnard, Jill (John) Noyes; brothers, Rodney (Anne) Barnard, Lynwood Kirk (Leane) Barnard; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Jerry, and her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Beryl Joyce (Jerry) Hepinstall; brothers, Bryon “Bud” (Joanne)
Barnard, and Blair “Dean” (Anna) Barnard.
Jan’s family wish to thank the caring staff at Primrose and Optimal Hospice.
A funeral service for Jan will take place 11:00 AM on Monday, May 18, 2026, at the Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler St., Midland. Family will greet guests from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM on Sunday, May 17, 2026 and on Monday from 10:00 AM until the start of the funeral service at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Private family interment will be in Midland Cemetery.
Those planning an expression of sympathy in Jan’s name are asked to consider Shelterhouse or Midland’s Open Door.
All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored the Acker family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one. Condolences to the
family may be made at wswfh.com. |
Copyright © 2026 Direct Obits, LLC
| Visitation |
| Date: |
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5/17/2026 |
| Time: |
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2:00 PM |
| Family will greet guests from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM on Sunday, May 17, 2026 and on Monday from 10:00 AM until the start of the funeral service at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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5/18/2026 |
| Time: |
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11:00 AM |
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| Location: |
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Ware Smith Woolever - Midland
1200 West Wheeler Street
Midland, MI 48640Get a Map to this location...
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