DAVID S. ACKER

David S. Acker, 72, passed away March 29, 2018, with both his sons by his side, shortly after the Cubs emerged victorious from their season opener.

David was born Feb. 2, 1946, in Rockford Ill., to Harold and Lorraine Acker. He attended the University of Illinois and later enrolled in the U.S. Army. Upon learning he would be stationed in Ankara, Turkey, he asked his longtime family friend from Rockford and relatively new sweetheart, Jill Kinley, if she would join him on this adventure as his wife. The two were married in 1967.

Back home in Illinois, David graduated from Rockford College and later enrolled at Northwestern University, emerging with a law degree and a fervent devotion to Wildcats football. Later, when sons Seth and Andrew arrived, family tailgates became a sort of ritual, from the prescribed menu of steak sandwiches and even the occasional deep-fried Thanksgiving turkey, to the double-stuffed Oreos and milk served only when the team won.

David was a raconteur of the finest order who never passed up a chance to tell a story, even if he knew his audience had already heard it a time or two. He coached his sons’ Little League teams, passed along his love of the Cubs and taught them the best way to grill a steak is always over charcoal.

After law school, David worked at Winston and Strawn in downtown Chicago and later retired to the family’s house in Fontana. He was a member of Big Foot Country Club and taught Sunday school at the Community Church of Fontana for many years. Later in life, he delighted in his grandchildren, especially after Jill passed away in 2016.

He is survived by his sons Seth Acker (Allecia Vermillion), of Seattle, and Andrew Acker (Amanda Lossia), of Chicago; grandchildren Silas, Vivian and Felix Acker; brothers Al and John Acker; and his extended family.

David’s requests for the end of his life are a window into who he was – a memorial at the Community Church of Fontana followed by a rollicking celebration for family and friends on a yet-to-be-determined date this summer.

In lieu of flowers, David would appreciate donations to the Community Church of Fontana or to the Jill A. Acker Scholarship Fund at the Latin School of Chicago, which his sons attended and where his wife taught for many years.

Toynton Funeral Home is assisting the family.