Jill Adele Kinley Acker, 69, passed away at her home in Fontana on June 14, 2016, after battling cancer with bravery and grace.
Jill was born Oct. 16, 1946, in Rockford, Ill., to Maravene Berg Kinley and John R. Kinley. She earned a degree from Beloit College and studied at the University of California in Irvine before ultimately receiving a master’s of science degree in teaching from the University of Chicago. She first met fellow Rockford native David S. Acker when they were both less than a year old, but the two did not decide to get married until nearly 30 years later.
Moving to Ankara, Turkey to live with her new husband during his military service was just one of the adventures Jill sought out in her life, from bicycling across the State of Iowa in the annual Ragbrai ride to squiring groups of high school students to Russia, China, South America and Eastern Europe for the Latin School of Chicago and starting the Model UN program at both Kenwood and Latin. Her international travel also included mission trips to Haiti and Honduras under the auspices of the United Church of Christ. One of Jill’s most lasting adventures was raising her sons Seth and Andrew, instilling in them her kindness, her love of being active and the pleasures of a good book.
After teaching in the Chicago Public School system at Kenwood Academy, Jill spent many years at the Latin School in Chicago. In 2007, she retired and moved full time to the family’s house in Fontana. In Wisconsin, Jill continued to teach, substituting at the local Walworth and Lake Geneva public schools, game to take on everything from Spanish to gym class. She built a strong network of friends both in Chicago and Wisconsin, and was always ready for a walk, swim, round of golf, bicycle ride or exercise class at the Abbey. There were many causes dear to Jill, including the Geneva Lake Art Association, American Association of University Women, Fontana Garden Club, Geneva Lake Museum and especially the Community Church of Fontana.
She is survived by her husband, David S.; sons, D. Seth Acker, Jr. (Allecia Vermillion), of Seattle, and Andrew K. Acker (Amanda Lossia), of Chicago; her grandson, Silas Vermillion Acker; sister Carol Kinley, of Texas; and half-sister, Barbara Flood, of Colorado. Jill was also very close to her stepsister, Sara Werckle, of Rockford, Ill., as well as her extended family.
Jill’s family will be present for her interment Monday with a memorial service at a yet-to-be-determined date in July at the Community Church of Fontana. In lieu of flowers, Jill would appreciate donations to the Community Church of Fontana (http://www.communitychurchoffontana.com) or to the Jill A. Acker Scholarship Fund at the Latin School of Chicago (https://www.latinschool.org/support-latin/makeagift).
Toynton Funeral Home is assisting the family.
